USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Plant Protein Research

About the role

The ORISE participant will be a part of a collaborative research initiative focused on the processing and food applications of proteins derived from plant sources such as alfalfa and legumes. Through this appointment, the participant will gain firsthand experience in the operation of a federal research laboratory and learn how interdisciplinary scientific approaches are used to address real-world challenges in the food industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize procedures for extracting plant proteins with high purity, improved color, and desirable sensory attributes.
• Conduct analyses of the structural, nutritional, and functional properties of extracted plant proteins.
• Characterize interactions between plant proteins and co-factors, including phenolics and volatile flavor compounds.
• Evaluate the effects of pre-harvest factors (e.g., light exposure) and post-harvest treatments (e.g., hydrothermal processing) on protein structure and functionality.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field within the last five years.
• Knowledge of food chemistry, food engineering, biochemistry, and plant physiology.
• Knowledge and/or experience in purification, characterization, modification, and structure-function relationships of proteins.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills – ability to be self-motivated and to excel both independently and in a team environment.
• Communication skills (oral and written).

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Skills

• Knowledge of food chemistry, food engineering, biochemistry, and plant physiology.
• Knowledge and/or experience in purification, characterization, modification, and structure-function relationships of proteins.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills – ability to be self-motivated and to excel both independently and in a team environment.
• Communication skills (oral and written).

Benefits

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $74,678 annually.

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $74,678 annually.

Schedule

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Contact

Mentor(s): Zi Teng (zi.teng@usda.gov)

If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).