Post Doc Fellow

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

5d

About The Position

The Food Systems and Food Safety Postdoctoral Associate is a full-time position (40 hrs/week) in the Department of Horticulture. This individual will serve as a project leader and collaborate with Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez on the Local, Regional, and Safe Foods Team. The successful candidate will provide outreach, education, and technical assistance to Arkansas farms and food businesses, community stakeholders, and county extension agents regarding food safety regulation, practices, audits/inspections, value-added product development, and supply-chain coordination, while also supporting broader food systems development initiatives. This position will play a key role in strengthening resilient food systems infrastructure across Arkansas by supporting local food supply chain coordination, value-added processing, and home-based food business startup efforts. The Post Doc will assist in developing and implementing training and technical assistance for stakeholders working across the food value chain, with an emphasis on small and beginning farms and food businesses and expanding access to local and regional markets.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Public Health, Food Safety, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage programs.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• On-farm or field experience with specialty crop growers or food manufacturing.
• Understanding of current issues in the specialty crop industry and food safety.
• Certifications in FSMA Produce Safety Rule or Preventive Controls for Human Food.
• Experience in grants management and writing.
• Proven track record in curriculum development, publications, presentations, and digital outreach.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and host food safety and food system workshops.
• Lead implementation of project goals and objectives, including day-to-day operations, coordination with agencies, and reporting.
• Support development of resilient food systems infrastructure through technical assistance and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide guidance and resources for local food supply chain coordination and value-added product development.
• Assist entrepreneurs in navigating regulations and launching home-based food businesses under food freedom frameworks.
• Conduct applied research to understand client needs, practices, challenges, and knowledge gain.
• Prepare proposals for regional and national conferences related to food safety and food systems.
• Contribute to the development of Southern Center add-on curricula for produce safety and value-added startup (e.g., commodity-specific or production-type-specific training).
• Support current grants focused on food freedom and cottage food safety, fruit and vegetable value-added product development, and FSMA Produce Safety Rule grower training.
• Develop educational materials, web content, promotional materials, and press releases.
• Conduct survey research with clientele and prepare papers for scientific conferences and publication.
• Monitor program implementation, assist collaborators and county agents, and coordinate team activities.
• Assist in managing the Local, Regional, and Safe Foods Team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data management, and email programs.
• Strong technical competence in food safety, pathogens affecting produce and manufactured foods, and specialty crop production.
• Ability to develop and deliver high-quality presentations.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Responsiveness to the needs of supervisors, subordinates, and clientele.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees