USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Poultry Meat Quality

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2020-0200
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

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Application Deadline
2/15/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline.

ARS Office/Lab and LocationA postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Quality & Safety Assessment Research Unit (QSARU) at the National Poultry Research Center located in Athens, Georgia.

Research ProjectUnder the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will carry out research project(s) to determine how emerging broiler breast meat myopathies alter the chemical and structural properties of muscle and negatively impact meat quality and functionality. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the underlying mechanisms that cause the poor water-holding capacity and abnormal texture in breast meat exhibiting myopathies. Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques will be utilized to study water properties within the muscle. Various biochemical and microscopy techniques typically used in meat science research will also be utilized.

Learning ObjectivesThroughout the course of this research project, the participant will have the opportunity to participate in all phases of the research (experimental design, logistical planning, conducting research and laboratory work, analyzing data, writing papers, and presenting findings).

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Hong Zhuang (hong.zhuang@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Winter 2021.  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.

Participant Stipend: The participant(s) will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USDA-ARS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by January 2021.

Preferred skills:

  • Knowledge and experience in basic meat science and muscle biology as they relate to technological traits and functionality of meat and meat quality evaluation. Specific knowledge of nuclear magnetic resonance in food applications is desirable.
  • Laboratory techniques to assess the compositional, biochemical, and structural properties of muscle tissue.
  • Experience with muscle biochemistry, histology, microscopy, and low-field NMR application.
  • The ability to work independently, perform statistical analysis, and to write manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (12 )
    • Physics (1 )
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