Postdoctoral Scholar - Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

West Virginia University; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia University (WVU) seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to support research, teaching, and grant development. The role includes shared technical support for Food Science and microbiology labs while pursuing externally funded projects.

Responsibilities include conducting advanced research in digital food processing, 3D food printing, and extraction of proteins and lipids, with opportunities to contribute to grant proposals and

Qualifications

• PhD completed by start date in a relevant field.
• Experience conducting lab experiments, analyzing data, and preparing reports or manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in digital food processing and 3D food printing.
• Support USDA-funded research and prepare grant proposals.
• Provide shared laboratory technical support and maintain equipment.
• Develop operating procedures and train students and staff.
• Assist with instruction and student research activities.
• Prepare manuscripts and research outputs from projects.

Skills

Scientific writing

Oral communication

Collaboration

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Food Science or related discipline

Tools

Rheometer

RT-PCR system

Aqualog spectrofluorometer

Laboratory equipment troubleshooting

Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar - Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

United States, West Virginia, Morgantown

Description The Postdoctoral Scholar will support research, laboratory operations, teaching, and grant development within the School of Agriculture and Food Systems, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design. The position will provide shared technical support for Food Science and microbiology laboratories while conducting externally funded research in emerging areas of food science.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in digital food processing/manufacturing, including 3D food printing, and extraction/isolation of insect proteins and lipids for human food, bioenergy, and biofuel applications.
• Support USDA-funded research, including the Sun Grant, and contribute to preparation of competitive USDA-NIFA and other federal research proposals, including AFRI programs.
• Assist with development of USDA education proposals, including SPECA, A7801, and HEC, and implementation of funded educational activities.
• Provide shared laboratory technical support, including equipment set-up, calibration, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, laboratory organization, purchasing, supplies, and inventories.
• Support installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of new analytical instrumentation, including the rheometer, RT-PCR system, HORIBA Aqualog spectrofluorometer, and other Food Science laboratory equipment.
• Develop and maintain operating procedures and provide technical training and guidance to faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and other laboratory users.
• Assist with undergraduate and graduate Food Science instruction, laboratory preparation, demonstrations, experiential-learning activities, and student research.
• Support Food Science, School of Agriculture and Food Systems, and Davis College recruitment and engagement activities, including interactive demonstrations such as 3D food printing.
• Assist undergraduate and graduate students with research methods, instrumentation, data collection, analysis, scientific writing, presentations, and preparation of research outputs.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and other scholarly products resulting from research activities.
• Perform other related research, instructional, and laboratory-support duties consistent with the needs of the Food Science program and externally funded projects.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline, completed by the appointment start date.
• Research experience gained through doctoral training or subsequent employment in food processing, food chemistry, food microbiology, protein or lipid recovery, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience conducting laboratory experiments, operating analytical equipment, analyzing data, and preparing scientific manuscripts or technical reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 3D food printing, protein and lipid extraction or characterization, insect biomass utilization, or conversion of agricultural by-products into value-added products.
• Experience with rheology, PCR-based methods, fluorescence spectroscopy, or comparable analytical techniques; equipment troubleshooting and laboratory operations.
• Experience mentoring students, providing laboratory instruction or technical training, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications or grant proposals.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of experimental design, statistical analysis, laboratory safety, and responsible research practices.
• Ability to plan and execute experiments independently, interpret results, maintain accurate records, and manage multiple project deadlines.
• Ability to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and learn new analytical methods.
• Strong scientific writing and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain technical procedures to students and other laboratory users.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and research partners and contribute to an organized, safe, and productive laboratory.
• Proficiency with software for data analysis, spreadsheets, scientific presentations, and document preparation.

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Jacek Jaczynski at [e-mail] . Applications must be submitted through the online posting.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu .

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.