This position provides training and acts as the Central Region Coordination Center liaison to the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) as it oversees, enhances and maintains the integration of the nation's food testing laboratory infrastructure for the detection of threat agents in food at the local, state and federal levels.

This position will serve as a scientific expert with responsibility for coordinating training, proficiency testing and surveillance, and for providing knowledge and guidance to state and local FERN laboratories.

The position is temporary through September 29, 2010.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or an equivalent degree containing 14 semester or 20 quarter hours of college level Microbiology. To receive credit for the degree, you must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) to Sherry Thomas-Berry, MN Dept of Agriculture, 625 Robert St N, St. Paul, MN 55155 or fax to 651/201-6125 or by e-mail to sherry.thomas-berry@state.mn.us
   
2. At least five years of professional level experience in a microbiology laboratory, including work with pathogens and/or bioterrorism agents. A Master's Degree in Microbiology or an equivalent degree may substitute for one year of experience.
   
3. A thorough knowledge of traditional and molecular techniques used in the detection, isolation, identification and characterization of pathogenic microorganisms.
   
4. The ability to communicate effectively and convincingly in spoken and written context.
   
5. Well established public speaking skills and experience as an instructor in a formal training setting.
   
6. Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
   
7. The ability to impart technical information both clearly and concisely and to adjust communication styles to accommodate persons of differing abilities and backgrounds.
   
8. Strong planning, problem solving and organizational skills.
   
9. Familiarity with a wide variety of potential hazards in order to direct staff and training course participants in proper safety protocols.
   
10. Must possess and maintain an active/valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review and must maintain liability insurance on your own vehicle if using it for work purposes.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience working in a food testing laboratory, knowledge of food testing methods.
   
2. Knowledge of, or experience with, the FERN or other laboratory network such as Laboratory Response Network (LRN).
   
3. Experience working in a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory.

How to Apply:

For further information about this position, and how to apply, go to:  www.careers.state.mn.us.

The job posting number is: 09AGR000128. The closing date for this position is 11/16/2009.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.