Postdoc: Food Sensory Science & Oleogel Innovation

ISHE; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 67,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA Agricultural Research Service in Peoria, IL invites applications for a USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Food Sensory Science. You will join a multidisciplinary team focused on oleogel fat replacements, natural antioxidants, and sensory evaluation to improve healthfulness and shelf life of foods.

The appointment is full-time for one year, with potential renewal. Stipend around $74,678 yearly plus health insurance support and moving assistance; U.S. citizenship required.

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Degree must have been received within the past year or anticipated by 9/30/2026.

Responsibilities

• Screen and train an in-house descriptive sensory panel.
• Design descriptive sensory panel tests for evaluation of food products.
• Evaluate physical, chemical, and rheological properties of foods with oleogel-based fat replacements.
• Assess shelf life of foods with natural antioxidants.
• Analyze results of sensory evaluations and correlate with analytical data.
• Collaborate with chemists, food scientists, and engineers to link sensory and chemical properties.
• Mentor(s): contact Jill Moser for project guidance.

Skills

Food chemistry

Sensory analysis

Food microbiology

Food safety

Food engineering

Descriptive sensory panels

Education

PhD or strong progress toward PhD

Job description

USDA Agricultural Research Service in Peoria, IL invites applications for a USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Food Sensory Science. You will join a multidisciplinary team focused on oleogel fat replacements, natural antioxidants, and sensory evaluation to improve healthfulness and shelf life of foods.

The appointment is full-time for one year, with potential renewal. Stipend around $74,678 yearly plus health insurance support and moving assistance; U.S. citizenship required.