Postdoctoral Research Associate

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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

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume or Curriculum Vitae, including a list of Publications

2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

All candidates, documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Girish Ganjyal, [email protected].

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.

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 [email protected].

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