In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced has also recently built the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building in the heart of Merced.
This position is based at the Agricultural Engineering Technology lab (AET-LAB). The Agricultural Engineering Technology Laboratory at UC Merced directed by Professor Reza Ehsani is an interdisciplinary research group focusing on engineering systems for food and agriculture, automation and intelligent machines for agriculture, precision agriculture and horticulture, mechanical harvesting machines, robotic system in agriculture, and machines for food industries and food processing plants. We are recruiting a highly motivated and qualified specialist to be engaged in our projects related to machine design for food industries, perform microbiological and food safety tests, and evaluate the compliance of the machine with the existing rules and regulations. The candidate is expected to use his/her professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to our group, become proficient in all the experimental and analytical procedures carried out in the laboratory, stay on the top of future developments and opportunities for the implementation of related new technologies and procedures, and train and supervise the students in the group.
• A master’s degree in Food Safety, Food technology, Microbiology, or related area prior to starting the position. Ph.D. in Food processing and Food Safety is highly desirable.
• Experience working in California’s food industries and show proven knowledge of food processing and packaging techniques.
• Experience working in Food Science, Agriculture, Microbiology or related laboratory, as well as experience in relevant analytical and laboratory safety procedures.
• Experience in scientific writing conducive to publication of research articles and grant application as well as demonstrated experience in the training and leadership of students in research protocols and safety.
Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter 2) curriculum vitae and 3) a list of two references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address; this will be submitted through the Recruit system.
This is a two-year position with the possibilities of extension based on the availability of funding as well as satisfactory performance. Salary is based on the University of California Academic Salary Scales. Review of applications will begin immediately. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2019, with applications continuing to be considered until the position is filled. Starting dates are negotiable.
Please contact Reza Ehsani at rehsani@ucmerced.edu for additional information.
A master’s degree in Food Safety, Food technology, Microbiology, or related area prior to starting the position. Ph.D. in Food processing and Food Safety is highly desirable.