Postdoc: Fruit Quality Metabolomics & VOCs

USDA-ARS; Parlier (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA-ARS is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to support research on postharvest quality of fresh fruits. You will join a team performing analytical chemistry investigations to characterize volatile and non-volatile metabolites affected by postharvest treatments or diseases, using HS-SPME-GC-MS, TD-GC-MS, LC-MS, and related technologies.

The role includes integrating chemical data with sensory quality assays to assess aroma and flavor impacts, collaborating to refine workflows for

Qualifications

• Strong background in analytical chemistry, preferably in food science or plant sciences.
• Experience with collection/interpretation of high-resolution MS data and statistical analysis.
• Proven ability to design, optimize, and validate analytical methods for complex samples.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications

Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical chemistry investigations to profile volatile and non-volatile metabolites in fresh fruit under postharvest conditions.
• Perform chemical profiling using platforms such as HS-SPME-GC-MS, TD-GC-MS, LC-MS, and HRMS.
• Integrate chemical data with sensory quality assays to evaluate aroma and flavor impacts.
• Collaborate with a research team to develop and refine analytical workflows for postharvest fruit quality and disease management.

Job description

USDA-ARS is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to support research on postharvest quality of fresh fruits. You will join a team performing analytical chemistry investigations to characterize volatile and non-volatile metabolites affected by postharvest treatments or diseases, using HS-SPME-GC-MS, TD-GC-MS, LC-MS, and related technologies.

The role includes integrating chemical data with sensory quality assays to assess aroma and flavor impacts, collaborating to refine workflows for