Compensation: $68,000–$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Position Type: Full-time (Exempt)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Occasional weekend work may be required. This position is fully on-site; remote work is not available for this role.
Work Location: The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH), 6502 S Archer Rd., Bedford Park, IL 60501.
Benefits: Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here.
Summary
The Research Scientist-Microbiology leads the Sprout Safety Alliance at Illinois Tech’s Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH). This position plans, designs, and executes collaborative and contract research projects in support of food safety initiatives and public health objectives. The role maintains laboratory equipment, resolves routine technical issues independently, and provides guidance to staff and students on research and safety related matters, as needed. As part of one of the FDA’s centers of excellence in food safety, this position supports research that advances FDA’s public health mission and provides the food industry with critical food safety information. The position collaborates with governmental agencies, academia, and food industry stakeholders, with success measured by collaborative research outcomes, project execution, and programmatic impact.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
50% – Leads the IFSH Sprout Safety Alliance and provides training and technical assistance to sprout growers as part of alliance activities. Works collaboratively with governmental agencies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders to support program objectives and food safety initiatives. Provides supervision, training, and guidance to Support Scientists and students, as needed.
50% – Leads collaborative research projects and develops a research program focused on the microbiological safety of foods and the detection of foodborne pathogens and toxins in foods. Drafts proposals and secures external funding through FDA collaborative research, competitive grants, and industry sponsored contract research. Executes research projects to meet objectives, milestones, and deliverables; prepares reports for funding entities; presents findings at scientific conferences; and publishes results in peer reviewed scientific journals.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, or a related field, or a master’s degree with at least three years of food safety related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience conducting laboratory-based research involving foodborne pathogens, with knowledge of food safety issues related to food, produce, and or sprouts preferred
- Strong organizational, project management, and communication skillsAbility to communicate and present technical research clearly and concisely in written, verbal, and electronic formats to scientific, academic, industry, and government audiences
- Ability to work collaboratively with governmental agencies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Supervision & Budget Authority
- May supervise and train Support Scientists and students, as needed, and perform budget related duties, as assigned
Service Standards and Performance Expectations
- Works with minimal supervision, responds to complex queries, and proactively seeks solutions- Maintains exceptional attention to detail when documenting and maintaining scientific notebooks, research records, and related documentation
- Effectively communicates with colleagues and stakeholders to encourage participation and seeks input from others to resolve issues as they arise
- Mentors staff and students, as directedIndependently solves routine laboratory or research problems
- Drafts grant proposals and proprietary contracts, as required
Physical Requirements
- Works extensively in a laboratory environment involving foodborne pathogens and strict safety procedures
- Regularly works with various chemical sanitizers in accordance with all applicable safety requirements
- Must be able to stand up to 50% of the workday to perform experiments and laboratory maintenance tasks
-May perform repetitive motions for up to 20% of the workday, including data entry and instrument manipulation
-May occasionally lift up to 10 pounds
EEOC Statement
Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
Position Details
Compensation: $28.00/hour
Position Type: Part-time (Non-Exempt)
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 5 hours per day, between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Specific daily hours will be determined during the interview process.
Work Location: The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH), 6502 S Archer Rd, Bedford Park, IL 60501
Benefits: Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here.
Summary
The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) is a consortium among Illinois Tech, FDA’s Human Foods Program (HFP), and the food industry.
The IFSH is comprised of Illinois Tech faculty, scientists and staff with FDA scientists of HFP’s Division of Food Processing Science and Technology co-located in the building, and industry member companies. IFSH is a unique and one-of-a-kind institute in the nation where FDA, academia and the industry join forces and conduct research in a neutral ground to address major national food safety and nutrition issues. The Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) is a broad-based public-private alliance of industry, academia, and government stakeholders, first established by support from the FDA to IFSH.
The Communication Specialist, under the supervision of the FSPCA Program Manager, will create a wide range of digital and print communications for FSPCA programs. Work with the FSPCA website’s ongoing communications, and multiple channels such as social media, blogs, newsletters, etc.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
40% - Research, write, proofread, and edit various documents, brochures, reports, general correspondence, presentations, and other materials required to support internal and
external communications. Design and format visual and written document tools in adherence with Illinois Tech graphic quality standards using design software. Perform project management duties around the scheduling of internal/external communications and use this skillset to assist management in the planning and execution of various FSPCA communication activities such as events, webinars, training, workshops, etc. (virtual, in person).
25 % - Oversee details of multiple communications projects for FSPCA (including basic layout, writing, editing), balance priorities, and meet project deadlines and
deliverables in collaboration with staff, and faculty across the university (including the other marketing and communications teams at the university), members and stakeholders. Prepare comprehensive action plans.
25% – Manage FSPCA social media assignments, including input on strategic planning. Research and implement emerging technologies to strengthen communication with constituents through social media and email.
10% – Support FSPCA website content and organization, maintain inventory of print materials, and assist with digital initiatives, video production, and other related communications projects.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a communications-related discipline required.
- 2–5 years of professional writing, editing, and project management experience required.
- Experience developing, executing, and evaluating communication strategies across multiple platforms, including social media.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or technical information into clear, high-quality communications.
- Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style required.
- Strategic, business-driven, and people-focused mindset with sound decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required; Adobe Creative Suite strongly preferred.
- Experience with Eventleaf, Constant Contact, and other preferred communication tools (training available).
- Familiarity to AI writing tools that can provide efficiency and review.
Supervision & Budget Authority
- This position does not include any direct supervision of other staff members. However, this position might be required to supervise a student employee occasionally.
Service Standards and Performance Expectations
- Demonstrates strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, thoroughness, and quality in all deliverables.
- Works autonomously and effectively without micromanagement.
- Successfully manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining organization and timeliness.
- Produces communications that align with established quality standards and organizational objectives.
Physical Qualifications
- The workplace is a normal office environment.
- Must be able to walk up and down one flight of stairs to travel between departments and may occasionally need to attend functions off campus.
- Approximately 90% of the time is spent working at a desk performing office functions/computer, and 10% of the time may be spent outside of the office.
- May have to lift light boxes or containers for on-site events up to 20 lbs.
EEOC Statement
Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
Positon Details
Compensation: $30.00/hour
Position Type: Part-time (Non-Exempt)
Schedule: Hours will vary based on operational needs and the employee’s availability and will be discussed during the interview process.
Work Location: Illinois Tech, 10 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
Benefits: This position is not benefits-eligible. Benefits information for eligible positions is available here.
Summary
The Clinical Research Health Professional will participate in and conduct various aspects of clinical nutrition research projects. In addition to providing direct subject care and blood collection, the clinical nutrition research Health Professional may be involved in education, research and facility administration. The ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities while paying close attention to detail is an asset in this position. Experience in a clinical nutrition setting is a plus.
Candidates should have excellent phlebotomy skills (IV/ catheter placement, blood collection, infusion). Candidate should be proficient at screening subject applications and accurately collecting and documenting study medical information. Have good computer/typing skills and be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel. Conduct research procedures according to the research protocol and demonstrate ability to handle multiple study subjects at once. Have working knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) compliances, safety regulations, OSHA requirements and working knowledge of HIPAA compliance.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
50% - Follow study protocols and practice good laboratory and patient care procedures to minimize risk / harm to subjects for biological sample collection: place IV / catheter and perform phlebotomy for blood collection, collect urine and other biological samples. Manage multiple subjects at once. Follow up with subjects when needed and in case of adverse event.
15% - Prepare subjects for procedures by explaining technical procedures in a simple, clear way so they are not nervous about the procedure or its outcome. Maintain good rapport with research subjects.
15% - Maintain clinical sample collection rooms in good working order and perform basic facility operation and administration procedures such as inventory of biological sample collection, preparation and storage supplies, labeling of subject biological sample collection tubes and shipping/storage containers, etc.
10% - May assist with study operations such as recruitment, screening, enrollment, scheduling visits, data entry, quality control, anthropometric measurements, preparation of case report forms and source documents. Assist in recruiting and scheduling part-time nurses/phlebotomists.
10% - Prepare biological samples for freezing, storage, shipment and/or sample analysis.
Qualifications
- Registered Nurse (RN) or Paramedic with a minimum of 2 years’ experience.
- Active Illinois state licensing required.
- Possess knowledge of medical and scientific terminology, excellent phlebotomy skills, including IV/catheter placement with minimal discomfort, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple studies and participants at once.
- Interpersonal Skills: Build positive working relationships with the study team and participants. Maintain a professional, supportive approach that helps participants feel comfortable and continue in the study.
- Technical skills. Should possess knowledge of medical and scientific terminology, excellent phlebotomy skills, including IV/catheter placement with minimal discomfort, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Paramedic in the state of Illinois
- Completion of a clinical research certificate or other appropriate medical licenses or certificates are a plus, but not essential.
Supervision & Budget Authority
- May provide oversight and training of part-time or contract research nurses /phlebotomists/paramedics
Service Standards and Performance Expectations
Internal customers include Supervisor, Project Investigators and Project Coordinators. Conditions of satisfaction for meeting internal customer needs include: timely response to needs and deliverables; high level of skill in handling multiple subjects at once; ability to follow protocols and procedures; ability to perform basic assigned tasks to meet established timelines and metrics.
External customers include study subjects. Conditions of satisfaction for performance include: ability to ensure subject safety, comfort and well-being during study procedures; effective communication with subjects regarding procedures and timelines; ability to follow-up with subjects who have adverse.
Physical Qualifications
- Requires standing or sitting for extended periods and the ability to assist and safely support participants who need help moving or repositioning.
- Works primarily in a clinical lab setting with strict safety procedures and required protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, gloves).
- Handles biological specimens and chemicals following standard procedures.
- Also works in a shared office environment for data entry, quality checks, and other administrative tasks.
- Lifts up to 10 lbs. (up to 10% of the time) and performs keyboarding (approximately 20%) and pipetting (up to 10% of the time).
EEOC Statement
Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
Read LessPosition Details
Compensation: $28.00/hour
Position Type: Full-time (Non-Exempt)
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Remote work is not available for this role
Work Location: The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH), 6502 S Archer Rd, Bedford Park, IL 60501
Benefits: Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here
Summary
The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) is a consortium among Illinois Tech, FDA’s Human Foods Program (HFP), and the food industry.
The IFSH is comprised of Illinois Tech faculty, scientists and staff with FDA scientists of HFP’s Division of Food Processing Science and Technology co-located in the building, and industry member companies. IFSH is a unique and one-of-a-kind institute in the nation where FDA, academia and the industry join forces and conduct research in a neutral ground to address major national food safety and nutrition issues.
IFSH hosts the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) and the Sprout Safety Alliance (SSA). Both alliances aim to develop training curricula for the food industry. FSPCA members include senior food safety experts from government agencies, industry, and academia.
The Project Coordinator position is a vital role within the FSPCA team and supports a highly diverse workgroup. This role requires the ability to work effectively and respectfully with colleagues and internal and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and cultures. In this role, you will support project leadership and participants in coordinating the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closure of multiple projects simultaneously. The ideal candidate must be well-organized and self-motivated, consistently meet performance expectations, demonstrate a professional demeanor, and have a genuine "love to get things done!" attitude.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
40% - Collaborate with FSPCA committees, work groups, and stakeholders to manage project deadlines and act as the primary contact for team members, ensuring they have the necessary resources to support organizational objectives.
20% - Prepare and manage comprehensive action plans, including resources, timelines, deadlines, workflow, meetings, and logistics. Maintain organized and accessible project documentation, plans, and reports
20% - Monitor the progress of multiple projects and assignments, providing accurate and timely status updates to the team and FSPCA Program leadership
20% - Efficiently and professionally review and respond to internal and external stakeholders through in-person conversations, email, chat programs, and telephone
Qualifications
- Business-driven and people-focused approachExperience in project management preferred
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization
- Solid organizational skills, including multitasking and time-management
- Proven problem-solving ability; adaptable with a proactive attitude and mindset
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive)
- Experience with the Asana platform is highly beneficial
Supervision & Budget Authority
- This position does not have direct reports or budgetary oversight
Service Standards and Performance Expectations
- Demonstrates ownership and accountability by monitoring progress, anticipating risks, and proactively addressing barriers to keep projects on track and deliverables on schedule
- Prioritizes workload to meet competing deadlines and shifting priorities
- Maintains organized, current project documentation (records, timelines, tracking tools, etc.)
- Communicates project information clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner to appropriate stakeholders
- Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication; responds promptly and professionally to inquiries and requests
- Reviews work for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with requirements prior to dissemination or publication
- Provides high-quality customer service to internal and external customers through in-person, Phone, email, and chat platforms
Physical Qualifications
- Must be able to walk up and down one flight of stairs to travel between departments.
- Approximate 90% of the time is spent working at a desk, performing essential job duties
- 10% of the time is spent attending off campus meetings and conferences within the greater Chicago area
EEOC Statement
Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
Read LessCompensation: $68,000–$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Position Type / Schedule: Full-time (Exempt). Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Occasional weekend work may be required. This position is fully on-site; remote work is not available for this role.
Work Location: The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH), 6502 S Archer Rd., Bedford Park, IL 60501.
Benefits: Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here.
Summary
The Research Scientist – Chemistry will work at the IIT Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) on the joint Proficiency Testing program with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), located at the Moffett Campus of IIT. The joint IFSH-FDA Proficiency Testing program is ISO 17043 accredited. Under minimal supervision, the Scientist responds to complex scientific inquiries and resolves method/instrument issues. The Scientist also takes a lead role in drafting scientific papers/presentations.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
20% - Contributes to the Proficiency Testing Chemistry programs by performing lab tests and analyses in accordance with required specifications, established procedures and customer service standards to provide accurate research data.
20% - Conducts analyses in a timely, accurate, and cost-effective manner. Manages lab processes and supplies and operates and maintains laboratory equipment (e.g., HPLC, GC, MS, ICP-MS, and other analytical instruments) to achieve maximum output.
20% - Assists in developing, documenting, updating, and maintaining approved procedures for
assigned Proficiency Testing Chemistry projects. Plans, schedules, and prioritizes project
activities.
20% - Accurately estimates the time required to complete tasks, respects timelines and priorities of others.
Works with industry partners and participates in cross-functional teams to drive project results.
10% - Develops client/grant/internal proposals for funding. Develops internal status updates, reports, and scientific presentations/publications.
10% - Directs students and other project contributors with small projects and projects of limited focus. Recommends ideas to
enhance department effectiveness. Ensures that all safety procedures are in effect and tracked. Communicates to encourage teamwork and a proactive approach to meet customer needs. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- M.S. degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related field with 3 or more years’ related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel- Excellent technical writing skills
- Strong verbal communication skills, including presenting papers and scientific findings
Supervision & Budget Authority
- No budget authority or supervision of staff
- May direct up to 3 students on small projects
Service Standards and Performance Expectations
- Works with minimal supervision, responds to complex queries and is proactive in seeking solutions
- Exceptional attention to detail, demonstrated through consistent performance, in maintaining and documenting scientific notebooks and papers
|- Effectively communicates to encourage participation and seeks input from others to resolve issues as they arise
Physical Qualifications
- Approximately 75% of work time will be spent in an ISO 17043-accredited laboratory and approximately 25% in an office environment.
- May have to lift up to 10 pounds on occasion and perform repetitive motions up to 20% of the time during the workday, including data entry and instrument manipulation.
EEOC Statement
Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
