Postdoctoral Fellow in Food Safety and Quality

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-FQEMFSL-2016-0063-02
How to Apply

A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.  Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV
  • Two references – While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information.  It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

A postdoctoral research opportunity in Food Safety and Quality is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Food Quality, and Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratories in Beltsville, MD.

The project addresses food safety and quality associated with fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.  Key objectives are to develop effective intervention technologies to inactivate human pathogens, and/or to reduce their survival and growth for improved food safety, while maintaining quality and shelf life.  Major thrusts are integrated microbiological, chemical, physiological, and engineering approaches and innovations in post-harvest handling, transportation, and retail store displaying.  The key focus of this project is fresh-cut produce washing and disinfection.

The incumbent plays a key role in a multi-disciplinary team research.  The particular role of the incumbent can be tailored based on the candidate's technical strength.  Major activities may include pathogen inoculation, and enumeration; quality evaluation of fruits and vegetables; chemical synthesis and analyses, and equipment design, prototyping, and modification.

The appointment is full-time for 1 year and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The selected applicant will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment.  Stipend rates are determined by ARS officials, and are based on the applicant’s academic and professional background.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, ARS, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position requires a pre-appointment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have received a Ph.D. degree from any of the scientific disciplines including Microbiology, Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, and Horticulture, before the application date.  The candidate should also have strong knowledge of agricultural and food-processing operations, and must have excellent communication skills.

Useful technical skills may include:

  • digital imaging, laser confocal microscopy
  • human pathogen enumeration and manipulation
  • equipment prototyping and modification
  • active and intelligent packaging
  • chemical synthesis and nano-technology
  • fruit and vegetable growing, harvesting, and post-harvest handling

The incumbent must be able to independently design and execute research projects (with minimal supervision), and must be able to effectively disseminate research findings via technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.  

Strong organizational and project management skills are a plus.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
    • Engineering (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
    • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
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