USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Food Quality

Oak Ridge Associated Universities; Byron (GA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) in Byron, Georgia, invites a doctoral-level candidate to join USDA ARS for an active packaging project focused on pecan quality and shelf life. The appointment is full time, initially for one year with possible renewal, and includes a monthly stipend plus travel/supplies funding.

You will design experiments, collect and analyze data, and present results to diverse audiences while interacting with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Food Sciences and Technology, Horticulture, Physiology, or Plant Sciences.
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute active packaging experiments to improve pecan quality and shelf life.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data with quality-assurance and present results to diverse audiences.

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Application Deadline

12/31/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location:

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Byron, Georgia.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Research Project:

The postdoc will participate in the design and execution of active packaging aimed at improving the quality, and shelf life of pecans. Specific activities will include experimental design, data collection and analysis, and presentation of results to a variety of audiences. Additionally, the fellow will have the opportunity to interact with stakeholders and those responsible for programs related to pecan quality.

Learning Objectives:

This opportunity will provide exposure to and hands-on experience in active packaging development and pecan quality evaluation. Participants will gain practical knowledge of postharvest handling and storage technologies used to maintain pecan quality and extend shelf life. The experience will include training in packaging material selection, active packaging design, and evaluation of package performance under different storage conditions. Participants will also develop skills in assessing pecan quality attributes such as kernel color, texture, moisture content, rancidity, and overall sensory quality. In addition, the opportunity will provide experience with laboratory techniques, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of research results related to postharvest quality and food preservation. Through collaboration with researchers and technical staff, participants will strengthen their understanding of food quality, postharvest physiology, and applied agricultural research.

Mentor(s):

The mentor for this opportunity is Xiuxiu Sun ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date:

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

Appointment Length:

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation:

The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend:

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $5,899 - $7,666 monthly, and $4,500 for travel/supplies.

Citizenship Requirements:

This opportunity is available to 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.

Questions:

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email [e-mail] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Food Sciences and Technology, Horticulture, Physiology, or Plant Sciences).

Stipend

$5,899.00 – $7,666.00 Monthly

Point of Contact

Janeen

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
  • Chemistry (General)
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (2 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )