Research Scientist​/Engineer

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81.

The Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) maintains an internationally recognized research program. Please visit us at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to learn more.

This position focuses on research and outreach activities in food preservation and AI applications in the food supply chain. The Research Scientist/Engineer 1 will facilitate interactions with collaborators at the University of Washington and Washington State University, drive innovation in food processing and AI applications, and serve as the key liaison with industry, internal and external research partners. Responsibilities include coordinating research activities, managing laboratories and equipment, developing pilot‑scale testing infrastructure, securing contracts, following safety guidelines, and developing manuals and policies.

The candidate will work under the general supervision of the principal investigator, following established research plans and protocols, and will contribute ideas for improving methods, workflows, or infrastructure.

• Assist in the design, development, and execution of applied research projects as needed.
• Participate in grant‑funded research activities, including technical contributions to proposals, progress reports, compliance documentation, and sponsor deliverables with oversight from the PI.
• Assist in developing and supporting infrastructure for pilot‑scale testing in food processing.
• Develop and apply AI tools and technologies to research, including the development of AI‑based communication tools such as chatbots and QR code systems.
• Assist in writing technical reports and scientific manuscripts for publication.
• Assist faculty in managing grant applications, reporting, and administration to ensure efficient funding utilization.
• Collaborate with Research Scientists to assist in research proposal development and data collection and organization.
• Organize and schedule research meetings to support research projects and contribute to the research team meeting relating to experimental design and data collection.
• Independently research best prices and products for lab needs, benchmark and technology scouting, and present to the PI. Develop research protocols and best practices for the lab and provide them to the PI for review.
• Acquire, set up, and manage research equipment and devices.
• Interact as a service liaison, supporting collaboration with clients and research partners.
• Facilitate laboratory relocation and setup across institutions.
• Serve as a technical liaison to collaborators, industry partners, and external researchers, supporting collaborative research activities and applied projects.
• Develop and maintain an active research website and digital materials highlighting the capacities and outcomes of the research program and lab.
• Participate in food processing‑related and applied research.
• Support food processing pilot‑scale infrastructure development.
• Apply computer programming skills for AI applications in research environments (e.g., Python‑ or R‑based tools).
• Develop and maintain websites for outreach activities, including integration of AI chatbots, QR…