Job Opportunity: Chemist/Technician to Support Barley and Malt Quality Analysis Service and Research Efforts at North Dakota State University

Description & Details: 

The Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University welcomes applications for a skilled and motivated chemist/technician to support our barley and malt quality analysis service and research efforts in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University (NDSU). The successful candidate will optimize malting conditions, conduct chemical and microbial analyses on barley, malt, and wort, and contribute to ongoing research. 

Key responsibilities:

• Perform malting and the quality analysis of barley, malt, wort and products.
• Analyze polysaccharides, phytohormones, and other components.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records.
• Analyze data and prepare reports on malt quality metrics.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment related to malting and product analysis.
• Contribute to research projects and supervision of graduate students in our lab.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the development of research protocols and projects.
• Assist with the service in the mycotoxin lab. 

Advertised Salary: $50,000+/year  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Cereal/Food Science, Fermentation Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Laboratory technology, or a related field.
• Experience with laboratory procedures involving biochemical samples and/or cereals  based products.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues, students, and the principal investigator.
• Proficiency in analyzing experimental results and preparing scientific reports or publications.
• Excellent written and communication skills, with the ability to document and present findings. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in the malting and/or brewing laboratory or industry.
• Hands-on experience in sugar component analysis using GC-MS, phytohormone analysis using LC-MS, and enzymatic assays.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance and troubleshooting in a laboratory setting.
• Experience and willingness of writing scientific reports for publication.
• Master or PhD degree is preferred.

Screening Date: Review of applications will begin on February 20, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. 

Applicant Materials Required: Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications align with the job requirements; 2) a detailed curriculum vitae; 3) contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.

Link to full position and to apply: Chemist (Jin)

Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Zhao Jin (zhao.jin@ndsu.edu).