Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

7d • $62,232 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Food Science at Washington State University (WSU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in Extrusion Processing, Protein Chemistry, and Ingredient Functionality. The successful candidate will join the Ganjyal Food Processing Laboratory, a nationally recognized extrusion and food processing research program, to lead applied and fundamental research on twin-screw and single-screw extrusion of cereal, pulse, and plant protein-based food systems. The position offers the opportunity to work at pilot scale, connect processing engineering with protein and ingredient chemistry, collaborate closely with food industry partners and commodity groups, and translate research findings into practical solutions for food processors through WSU’s land-grant extension mission.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Cereal Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on operating experience with both twin-screw and single-screw extruders, with in-depth understanding of the engineering and chemistry principles governing extrusion processing.
• Demonstrated expertise in food rheology and its application to understanding raw material behavior, melt flow, and product structure.
• Demonstrated expertise in protein chemistry, including protein structure, functionality, and changes during processing.
• Thorough understanding of food ingredient chemistry and functionality, including proteins, starches, and fibers.
• Evidence of successful peer-reviewed publications as first author and strong scientific writing and oral presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with protein texturization, including high moisture meat analogs or texturized vegetable proteins, and with pulse, cereal, or pseudocereal ingredients.
• Experience with complementary analytical techniques such as electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), pasting analysis (RVA), texture analysis, and microstructural imaging (SEM or X-ray scattering).
• Experience with design of experiments and statistical or multivariate analysis using tools such as R, Python, Statistical Analysis System (SAS), or JMP.
• Experience contributing to grant proposals and project reports.
• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate students.
• Experience working with industry partners or delivering technical outreach to food processors.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead interdisciplinary research on twin-screw and single-screw extrusion processing, linking process engineering parameters to protein and starch transformations, rheological behavior, and final product structure and quality.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory-scale extrusion and associated processing equipment, and train students in safe and reproducible operation.
• Characterize ingredients, melts, and extrudates using rheological, protein chemistry, thermal, and microstructural methods.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, write sponsor reports, contribute to grant proposals, and present research at scientific and industry meetings.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory and pilot plant research, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Support industry collaborations and extension programming for food processors.

Benefits

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree