USDA-ARS Research Food Technology Fellow

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Byron (GA); On-site; USD 65,832 - 85,552; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is looking for a postdoctoral fellow for a research project focused on improving food safety in pecan production and processing. The role involves identifying, testing, and validating control methods for foodborne pathogens.

Applicants should have a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as Agricultural Sciences or Microbiology. A flexible start date and full-time commitment are expected, with a monthly stipend between $5,899 and $7,666.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or received a doctoral degree in Life, Health and Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Food Sciences, or Microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Participate in research on food safety in pecan production.
• Identify and test pathogen control methods.
• Design experiments to assess novel intervention strategies.

Education

Doctoral degree in relevant fields

Job description

How to Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0229

Application Deadline

1/1/2027 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications Review

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

ARS Office / Lab and Location

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 fellow will participate in a mission‑based research project geared toward developing novel methods to improve food safety in pecan production and processing. The postdoctoral fellow will help in identifying, testing, and validating novel control methods for foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, pathogenic E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes on pecan kernels. Methods will focus on novel approaches, especially end‑of‑process kill steps, to treat pecan kernels and reduce pathogen contamination; the innovative methods developed will contribute significantly to food safety and security.

Learning Objectives

• Understand how research supports improvements in food safety within pecan production and processing systems.
• Explore major foodborne pathogens of concern, including Salmonella, pathogenic E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, and their relevance to low‑moisture foods such as pecans.
• Design, implement, and evaluate experiments aimed at identifying and testing novel pathogen control methods.
• Develop and validate innovative intervention strategies, particularly end‑of‑process kill steps, to reduce pathogen contamination on pecan kernels.
• Apply principles of microbial inactivation, validation studies, and regulatory considerations in food safety research.
• Analyze and interpret microbiological data to assess treatment efficacy and practical feasibility.
• Translate research findings into applied solutions that enhance food safety, public health, and food security.

Mentor(s)

Xiuxiu Sun ([e-mail]).

Appointment Details

Start date: Flexible, will depend on a variety of factors.

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

Level of participation: Full time.

Stipend: Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience, anticipated range $5,899 – $7,666.

Citizenship Requirements

U.S. Citizen only.

ORISE Information

This program is 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), 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 reviewing, if you have additional questions about the application process, 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 one of the relevant fields.

• Life, Health and Medical Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Agriculture
• Biology (General)
• Food Sciences and Technology
• Microbiology

Contact

Sara Beth