VA# 23-008 Research Assistant I-III (Food Science)

About this Position

The Extension Aide is a staff member of the Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service (CREES) located on Saipan, and is employed primarily to provide assistance with research for the Food Science program to process and analyze value-added food from CNMI local produce. This position is located at the CREES department and will report directly to the program leader for the Food Science Program.

Minimum Qualifications

Research Assistant I:

• • High School Diploma or Equivalent

Research Assistant II:

• • High School Diploma or equivalent plus Thirty (30) College Credits towards an Associate’s Degree

Research Assistant III:

• • Associate’s Degree in Science, Biology, Chemistry or related discipline.
  • Two (2) years of experience in research, extension, teaching, community outreach, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Contributes and promotes a positive and professional working environment and relationship with the college community and promotes a positive representation of the CREES Department and NMC.
• Must have strong computer background including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, and database, preferably Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications.
• Able to communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and other college stakeholders.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and a high attention to detail.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks while maintaining composure under stressful conditions.
• Completes and prioritize tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
• Takes initiative and works both independently and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Must be able to present information in a clear and professional manner.
• Evidence of commitment to collaboration and transparency and evidence of effective collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Provides effective phone etiquette and customer service skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates in Program Review and Outcomes Assessment (PROA) activities.
• Receive and prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure effective and efficient storage, preparation, and disposal.
• Record data pertaining to experimentation and research.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, and analysis that include charts and graphs to document research findings and results.
• Adjust testing equipment, and prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
• Operate laboratory and field equipment.
• Maintains and accounts for all equipment or tools assigned or issued.
• Makes and files a report of projects,
• Assists in experimental and demonstration projects.
• Assists in field visitations.
• Maintain and repair food science facilities, equipment, and tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment, and prepare sites for testing.
• Respond to inquiries and requests from the public that do not require specialized scientific knowledge or expertise.
• Handle the departments machinery, equipment and vehicle maintenance and inventory.
• Actively and productively participates in departmental and/or institutional committee work and other college-wide activities;
• Maintain a good working relationship with department personnel and other College employees;
• Adhere to NMC and department policies and procedures;
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the program leader.

Essential Functions of the Position

Must be able to frequently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The individual in this position will frequently communicate with students and their colleague(s) in order to exchange information in various situations. Occasionally lifts office products and supplies, weighing up to 15 Ibs.

Work Environment

The Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment may vary. The employee may be tasked to work outdoors in the sun and heat, on or around wet surfaces, and other areas exposed to the elements.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the closing date.  Deadlines that fall on a non-business day will be extended to the next business day.
 
Employment application forms are available at the Human Resources Office of the College and a pdf.file can be downloaded from our website: http://www.marianas.edu using Adobe Acrobat. Please submit all application materials to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
All post-secondary education degrees must be from a U.S. Department of Education recognized and accredited institution. It is our requirement that degrees be from a U.S.-accredited college or university. Foreign degrees may be accepted when accompanied with a credential evaluation report. A listing of authorized evaluation reports can be obtained at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website at http://www.naces.org/
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification (I-9) document form upon hire. Police/court clearance will be required upon job offer.