USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Food Science, Microbiology and Engineering

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Albany, California.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

About the Role

The Healthy Processed Foods Research (HPFR) unit seeks a post-doctoral fellow in food science, microbiology, engineering, or related disciplines to assist in the development of value-added ingredients from agro-industrial crops and their by-products through fermentation. The aim is to enhance functional, nutritional, and sensory properties for health-focused food products. Engaging with Food Technologists and Flavor Chemists, you will participate in the design and optimization of processes to improve ingredient functionality, create distinctive flavors, and eliminate off tastes.

Learning Objectives

• Develop expertise by assisting in designing and conducting experiments involving bioconversion of feedstock and/or agricultural waste.
• Acquire skills needed to improve efficiency, yield, and performance in advanced fermentation processes.
• Build proficiency in operating and utilizing processing equipment used in food production, such as in alternative protein production.
• Gain scientific communication skills through publications and presentation of research findings.
• Learn from multidisciplinary researchers from universities and ARS through hands-on research projects.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the design and optimization of processes to improve ingredient functionality, create distinctive flavors, and eliminate off tastes.
• Assist in designing and conducting experiments involving bioconversion of feedstock and/or agricultural waste.
• Work alongside food technologists, chemists, and agricultural engineers.

Requirements

• The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (Microbiology, Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, etc.). Degree must have been received within the past 5 years.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in microbiology and fermentation.
• Show independent initiative, effectively troubleshoot complex biological systems, and communicate ideas clearly in group settings.

Benefits

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

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend of $87,803 annually, commensurate with educational level and experience.

Schedule

• The appointment is full time.
• The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
• Anticipated appointment start date: 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Mentor(s): Yixiang Xu (yixiang.xu@usda.gov) and Cristina Bilbao (cristina.bilbao@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Application deadline: 10/23/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone.