Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington State University; United States; On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick and vacation leave

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

Retirement plan

Deferred compensation

Job summary

Washington State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in extrusion processing, protein chemistry, and ingredient functionality. The role leads applied and fundamental research on twin-screw and single-screw extrusion of cereal, pulse, and plant protein-based systems, bridging processing engineering with protein chemistry.

The position offers pilot-scale opportunities, collaboration with industry partners, and translation of findings for food

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Cereal Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on operating experience with both twin-screw and single-screw extruders and understanding of processing principles.
• Expertise in food rheology and its relation to material behavior, melt flow, and product structure.
• Proven peer-reviewed publications as first author and strong scientific writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead interdisciplinary extrusion research linking process parameters to product structure and quality.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot extrusion equipment and train students in safe operation.
• Characterize ingredients, melts, and extrudates using rheological and analytical methods.
• Prepare manuscripts, write sponsor reports, contribute to grants, and present at meetings.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in lab and pilot plant research.

Skills

Extrusion processing

Protein chemistry

Food rheology

Scientific writing

Mentoring students

Education

Ph.D. in Food Science or related field

Tools

SDS-PAGE

FTIR

DSC

RVA

SEM / X-ray scattering

Job description

The Opportunity

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.

Key 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

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes 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.

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.

Additional Information

• Annual Salary: $62,232 to $70,000 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications
• In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position.
• Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
• Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range.
• This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position.
• This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration

This is a temporary position expected to start on January 1, 2027, and end on December 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Postdoctoral Requirements

For detailed information on eligibility for postdoctoral appointments, please visit: WSU/UAW Postdoctoral Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/Campus - School of Food Science

• Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
• Department Name: School of Food Science
• Location: Pullman, Washington

Contact

For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Girish Ganjyal, [e-mail].

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Union Representation

This position is represented exclusively by Postdocs United/United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Information regarding the Union and the CBA is available on the WSU Labor Relations website.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statement

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statement (Duplicate)

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/ WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.