Posted on April 16, 2024

Position Information

Job Duties

We are seeking a senior STEM undergraduate student to assist ongoing research in our research lab in the food science department. This is an opportunity for a talented and motivated student to gain hands on experience on cutting-edge research projects related to food and nutrition science. The nature of projects that the student will be involved in is multidisciplinary. Procedures and SOP will be provided, and training will be given, but the student must be willing to learn.

Specific daily tasks:

1. Prepare microbiological media, chemical reagents
2. Subculturing bacteria (Salmonella and also probiotic bacteria, fungi)
3. Preparation of Salmonella cultures for testing in a fiber optic biosensor
4. Loading and running a fiber optic biosensor to generate spectra for differentiating serotypes of Salmonella
5. Fermentation of fish with probiotic bacteria and fungi
6. Microbial and chemical analyses of fermented fish

*Most of the work conducted will take place in Eckles Hall.

Required Skills

1. Preference will be given to students working in scientific majors.
2. No experience or training required but would highly prefer some experience and/or training in a lab setting
3. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents in the English language such as laboratory protocols, safety rules, and procedure manuals
4. Must have good troubleshooting skills
5. Must have ability to work as a team member and individually to complete given tasks
6. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-20 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

1. Aseptically collect and prepare samples for various microbial and chemical analysis
2. Perform laboratory analysis using established procedures and techniques
3. Evaluate and verify sample results and data entry
4. Ensure safety, housekeeping, and compliance standards are maintained
5. Must be organized and detail oriented

Other Comments

Interested candidates can send the following documents to Professor Azlin Mustapha (mustaphaa@missouri.edu) or Dr. Sonia Abachi (soheila.abachi@missouri.edu )

1. Cover letter with your interest and why you think you fit the position
2. Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV). This should include name and contact information of 2-3 academic or professional references