Job Description

Dairy Analysis Laboratory, Agriculture and Food Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division

Temporary full-time from August 14, 2023 to August 13, 2024
Hiring #: 2023-0368

Please read the before applying

This is an opportunity to work at the Agriculture and Food Laboratory (AFL), which is a laboratory partner of choice for government and universities in Canada, for agriculture, food safety, and animal health testing, and is a leader in providing high-value analytic and diagnostic services to the private sector in selected niche markets. As a values-based organization, with the mission of working together toward a healthier future and improving life, we are searching for a Professional Scientist in our Dairy Analysis Section, who will support the Division\'s values: Client Centered, Integrity, Individuals Matter, Shared Responsibility, and Committed to Evolving.

The Professional Scientist supports and enhances the dairy analysis efforts of the Agriculture and Food Lab at the University of Guelph. This position will be involved in analysis of raw milk, encompassing bovine, goat, sheep milk and processed milk products such as cheese, cream and yogurt. The analyses range from milk composition, somatic cell count, total bacteria count, antibiotic residues, added water testing to milk reference testing and other non-routine testing to assist clients in determining safety and quality of products, improving processes or developing new products. The scientist will be involved in development, verification, validation, troubleshooting, and implementation of novel analytical methods using various technology platforms based on client needs. This position will also be responsible for development and implementation of new and improved analytical methods and day-to-day execution of various types of chemical, microbial or molecular analyses using a number of established laboratory methods.

Responsibilities of this position also include: basic milk analysis using various instruments such as automated flow cytometric milk analyzers, cryoscope, spectrophotometers, HPLC, GC , Mojonnier and Kjeldahl analysers, participating in a variety of proficiency testing programs related to dairy testing, preparing summary of test results and writing reports for validation purposes, generation of accurate and timely results, equipment maintenance, maintaining a safe environment and QC/QA records according to established laboratory protocols and ISO 17025, SCC and CALA requirements, assigning staff to specific projects and tasks to ensure that work is completed on time and to the full satisfaction of clients, ensuring analysis workload is prioritized within the section, literature searches to support on-going continuous improvement activities.

Requirements of the position: M.Sc. in Food Science, Dairy/Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Analytical Chemistry or a related discipline, several years of laboratory experience with working knowledge of dairy analysis; experience in management of automated testing, infrared analysis, quality assurance, statistics, computer/instrument interfacing, instrument maintenance and data processing; experience with working knowledge of various testing technologies; experience in laboratory QA/QC protocols including working knowledge of ISO 17025, SCC, and CALA laboratory accreditation programs; strong communication and organizational skills; supervisory/group leadership experience with ability to motivate staff and maintain a productive, efficient work environment; ability and experience in undertaking critical reviews of scientific and technical data; demonstrated research experience and record of publication; advanced knowledge related to current leading-edge technical development; excellent background in analytical skills to review, evaluate and interpret scientific and technical data which have legal and/or health implications; proficiency in conducting tests, assessing results, and interpreting findings; proven experience in method development procedures; teamwork experience in non-traditional reporting relationships; experience in managing the successful analytical completion of several testing processes simultaneously; experience in operating automated laboratory equipment employing computer interfaces; understanding of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS regulations.

Days of work Monday-Friday with a possibility of Tuesday-Saturday or Wednesday-Sunday at a later date, depending on operational needs.

Position Number 485-TFT
Classification P05

At the University of Guelph, fostering a is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

University of Guelph