The Faculty Research Assistant works with the USDA ARS Food for Health of People and the Environment Laboratory and the Food Components and Health Lab in Beltsville MD on specific research projects related to food composition including preparation and analysis of food and food components for inclusion in USDAs FoodData Central database Major Responsibilities 1 Implementsdevelopsrefines methodologies for food analysis including but not limited to gravimetric assays gross energy determination by calorimetry nitrogen determination by the Dumas combustion method fat determination by Soxhlet procedure moisture and ash content of food and ingredient samples high performance liquid chromatography assays and other analyses as assigned2 Follows assigned quality control procedures to ensure accurate and robust data3 Reviews data from analytical procedures performed to determine the quality of the results and identify potential sources error Alerts supervisormentor to data anomalies or unexpected results4 Performs statistical calculations such as mean standard deviation relative standard deviation and Horwitz ratio HorRat on data Evaluates the results for precision and accuracy Alerts supervisor to values outside the acceptable range If results are not acceptable works with supervisor to investigate and evaluate alternative methods or analytical approaches5 Update manuals instructions and operating procedures Establish standard operating procedures and job hazard analysis as needed6 Summarizes research results using appropriate statistical software and prepares reports7 Searches scientific literature for principles methods and procedures of chemical analysis of samples to meet study goals and works with supervisor to select the most appropriate for the research goals8 Assists in the acquisition of food items for analysis eg online purchasing in store purchases vendor pickups9 Assists in preparation of food and ingredient samples for compositional analysis Techniques include weighing grinding drying freeze drying and extraction techniques10 Prepares food samples for analysis Assists in shipment of material as needed Maintains records of shipping dates and confirms receipt Follows up on any anomalies in shipments11 Communicates work in coordination with other scientific researchers respond to technical questions participates in resolving problems interacts with ARS scientists12 Carries out special assignments as needed to meet program requirements