Purpose of the position:

Performing routine postharvest quality/shelf-life tests.

Summary of responsibilities:

1. Performing analyses/experiments managed by the Postharvest Researcher.
2. Analyzing, documenting and reporting research results.
3. Tracking and updating inventory of lab materials and instruments.
4. Assisting with implementation of new protocols, methods and techniques.
5. Other duties as may be required.

Brief description of responsibilities and duties:

1.  Performing analyses/experiments managed by the Postharvest Researcher.
   • Organizing and carrying out quality, sensory and shelf-life tests following established protocols.
   • Taking, keeping and transferring data of all experiments in a systematic and organized manner.
2. Analyzing, documenting and reporting research results.
   • Documenting results with a format established by the Postharvest Researcher.
   • Performing statistical analyses of postharvest data using different software’s (i.e., R, XLStat).
3. Tracking and updating inventory of lab materials and instruments.
   • Maintaining inventory of chemicals and other lab supplies up-to-date.
   • Maintaining and cleaning lab equipment, calibrated and keeping quality assurance records.
   • Maintaining a clean and sanitary work area in accordance with standard laboratory practice and procedures.
4. Assisting with implementation of new protocols, methods and techniques.
   • Assisting the Postharvest Researcher with transferring and implementation of new and developed technologies to the routine laboratories.
5. Other duties as may be required.
   • Other duties as required

JOB PROFILE:

Education / knowledge

• Minimum Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferably in Agriculture/Food Chemistry/Food Science.
• Postharvest Lab experience a plus.

Skills

• Professional, assertive and clear communication skills (verbal and written).
• Capable of handling numerical data.
• Must be fluent in English speaking and writing.
• Demonstrates effective supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory procedures and techniques; equipment and terminology; hazards and safety practices.
• Knowledge of R software and statistical analyses (ANOVA’s, PCA, etc.).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Competences relevant to the position

• Cooperation
• Entrepreneurship
• Responsibility
• Initiative and decisiveness
• Planning and organization
• Results-orientation and quality
• Flexibility
• Stress resistance

Traits

• Must be flexible with work schedule, willing to work weekends, and open to working overtime as needed (expected to work long hours during peak season June – October).
• Ability to follow procedures to detail and work under pressure.
• Shows personal initiative, is flexible, pragmatic, and a team player.
• Must be able to portray and promote a positive image of the company’s vision, mission, and values.

Independence

• Frequently performs the various duties independently, without direct supervision, under the responsibility of the Postharvest Researcher.

Contacts

• Contacts are mainly internal.

Leadership

• Supervises the temporary workers/interns, as required for all relevant activities

Working conditions

• Sometimes works in close-to-freezing temperatures for long hours processing crops.
• Sometimes needs to process and analyze very spicy food samples, as jalapeno peppers and onions.
• Occasionally has to work under the sun for long hours, harvesting and/or processing crops, coping with high temperatures.
• Some travel to outside facilities in support of essential duties.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Application

Learn more and apply online at:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=8a0f6eaf-60e2-43e6-8812-d82a67f4e892&jobId=247945&lang=en_US&source=CC3&ccId=19000101_000001