USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research - Emerging Food Processing and Preservation Technologies

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Wyndmoor (PA); On-site; USD 35,712 - 58,032; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education invites applications for a research fellowship at the USDA ARS CIFP Unit in Wyndmoor, PA. The program focuses on emerging processing and preservation interventions to control foodborne pathogens in eggs, fruits, vegetables, and surfaces, with a strong emphasis on microbiology and safety.

You will work under the supervision of the mentor Luz Daniela Bermudez-Aguirre to investigate interventions such as ultrasound, cold plasma, and light technologies,

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed doctoral degree in relevant fields.
• Degree received within the last 60 months or expected by year end.

Responsibilities

• Investigate microbial inactivation in foods and on surfaces.
• Develop experience with emerging processing and preservation interventions.
• Build skills in food microbiology, biofilm formation, removal, and sanitation.
• Optimize interventions to control pathogens in diverse food commodities.
• Gain experience in BSL-2 lab practices and safe handling of pathogens.

Skills

BSL-2 lab practices

Food microbiology

Laboratory safety

Education

Doctoral degree

Tools

Ultrasound

Cold plasma

Light technologies

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-NEA-2026-0279

Application Deadline

9/11/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Research Project

You will have the opportunity to participate in research focused on the development of emerging processing and preservation interventions to control foodborne pathogens (Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes) in products such as eggs, fresh produce, and food‑contact surfaces at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center with the Characterization and Interventions for Foodborne Pathogens (CIFP) Research Unit in Wyndmoor, PA. The mission of the CIFP research unit is to investigate several areas of food safety problems related to contamination with pathogens including stress response, evolution, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, intervention technologies and rapid detection. The research focus of this subgroup is on the development and use of emerging interventions such as ultrasound, cold plasma, light technologies and natural antimicrobials to inactivate pathogens such as Salmonella spp., E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes in food products (eggs, fruits and vegetables, nuts) and food‑contact surfaces. The control of foodborne pathogens without affecting the overall quality of the food products is the desired goal.

Learning Objectives

• Investigate and resolve food safety problems related to microbial inactivation in complex food products and surfaces
• Develop experience with emerging food processing and preservation interventions according to the food product
• Build skills in food microbiology applied to biofilm formation, removal, and sanitation of food‑contact surfaces
• Optimize processes related to emerging interventions to control pathogens such as Salmonella spp., E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes in diverse food commodities
• Develop competency in BSL‑2 lab practices, including safe handling of foodborne pathogens
• Gain experience in food quality analysis after the use of novel interventions
• Identify food safety challenges associated with food processing environments

Mentor

Luz Daniela Bermudez-Aguirre ([e-mail])

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

September 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation

Full time.

Participant Stipend

Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements

U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment‑related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years or anticipated to be received by the end of this year.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing
• Discipline(s):
  • Engineering (Agricultural Engineering; Biological/Biosystems Engineering)
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences