USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Fermentation
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Albany, CA, United States
Description
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The HPFR unit at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) seeks a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow to assist in research regarding fermentation science and engineering. The goal of the project is to transform agricultural crops and their by-products into value-added food ingredients and enhance their functional, nutritional, and sensory properties through fermentation technologies. The long-term vision is to enable the development of health-oriented food products formulated with health-promoting ingredients. In collaboration with food technologists, chemists, and agricultural engineers, you will assist in research focused on topics such as precision fermentation, food processing, and process engineering to design and improve processes that improve food ingredient functionality and create unique flavor profiles and remove off flavors.
Mentor
The mentor for this opportunity is Yixiang Xu (yixiang.xu@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date
Mid May, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length
The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation
The appointment is full time.
Stipend
The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $87,803 annually.
Citizenship Requirements
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information
This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, etc.). Degree must have been earned in the past five years.
Preferred Skills
Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals
Experience in bioprocess optimization and scale-up
Ability to research independently, troubleshoot complex biological systems, and communicate clearly in a collaborative environment
Application Requirements
An application
Transcript(s) – unofficial transcripts or copies may be submitted
A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
Two educational or professional recommendations
A copy of an abstract or reprint of an article
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0160
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The HPFR unit at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) seeks a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow to assist in research regarding fermentation science and engineering. The goal of the project is to transform agricultural crops and their by-products into value-added food ingredients and enhance their functional, nutritional, and sensory properties through fermentation technologies. The long-term vision is to enable the development of health-oriented food products formulated with health-promoting ingredients. In collaboration with food technologists, chemists, and agricultural engineers, you will assist in research focused on topics such as precision fermentation, food processing, and process engineering to design and improve processes that improve food ingredient functionality and create unique flavor profiles and remove off flavors.
Mentor
The mentor for this opportunity is Yixiang Xu (yixiang.xu@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date
Mid May, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length
The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation
The appointment is full time.
Stipend
The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $87,803 annually.
Citizenship Requirements
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information
This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, etc.). Degree must have been earned in the past five years.
Preferred Skills
Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals
Experience in bioprocess optimization and scale-up
Ability to research independently, troubleshoot complex biological systems, and communicate clearly in a collaborative environment
Application Requirements
An application
Transcript(s) – unofficial transcripts or copies may be submitted
A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
Two educational or professional recommendations
A copy of an abstract or reprint of an article
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0160
#J-18808-Ljbffr