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Full Time Postdoctoral Food Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

D. in food science, nutrition science, or a related field by the appointment date. Desired ... full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. For more ...

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Full Time Postdoctoral Food Science information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do full time postdoctoral food science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time postdoctoral food science in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Postdoctoral Food Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Postdoctoral Food Scientist, you need a PhD in food science or a related discipline, strong research skills, and expertise in experimental design and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills help you effectively share findings and work in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for conducting high-quality research, advancing knowledge in the field, and ensuring food safety and innovation.

What are Full Time Postdoctoral Food Science positions?

Full Time Postdoctoral Food Science positions are research-focused roles undertaken by individuals who have recently earned their Ph.D. in food science or a related field. These positions typically last for one to three years and provide an opportunity to gain advanced research experience, contribute to scientific projects, and publish scholarly articles. Postdoctoral researchers in food science may work in academic, government, or industry laboratories, collaborating on studies related to food safety, quality, processing, or nutrition. The role is often a stepping stone to faculty positions or advanced industry roles.

What is the difference between Full Time Postdoctoral Food Science vs Full Time Research Scientist Food Science?

AspectFull Time Postdoctoral Food ScienceFull Time Research Scientist Food Science
CredentialsPh.D. in Food Science or related fieldMaster's or Ph.D. in Food Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, research institutesFood companies, manufacturing firms, R&D divisions
Job FocusConducting research, publishing papers, gaining experienceProduct development, process improvement, applied research

Full Time Postdoctoral Food Science roles are primarily research-focused positions for recent Ph.D. graduates aiming to build expertise and publish findings. In contrast, Full Time Research Scientist Food Science positions are industry roles focused on applying research to develop products and improve processes. Both roles require strong food science credentials but differ in work environment and career objectives.

What are the typical research and collaboration expectations for a full-time postdoctoral position in food science?

In a full-time postdoctoral food science role, you will be expected to lead independent research projects while collaborating closely with senior scientists, graduate students, and sometimes industry partners. The position often involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. Collaboration is key, as you may participate in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to grant writing or outreach activities. Balancing research independence with teamwork is a common challenge, but it also offers opportunities for professional growth and networking within academia and industry.
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Full Time Postdoctoral Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Postdoctoral Food Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Scholar (Food-Gut-Brain Lab)

Postdoctoral Scholar (Food-Gut-Brain Lab)

The Pennsylvania State University

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Food-Gut-Brain lab, headed by Dr. Anna Hayes, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to join our research team in the Department of Food Science at The Pennsylvania State University (University Park). The successful candidate will lead and assist with projects tied to the lab's focus on 1) elucidating how the chemical structures of carbohydrate-containing foods and climate-smart crops influence eating behavior, metabolism, and cognition; 2) valorizing dietary fibers and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols from food byproduct streams and underutilized food components by examining their influences on gut-brain interactions; and 3) exploring the health impacts of process-induced compounds and food-based strategies to alter their consequences. Building on a strong foundation in food chemistry and food science, this work aims to advance understanding of how food physicochemical properties extend beyond their roles within foods to influence human health.

Interested applicants must have a Ph.D. in food science, nutrition science, or a related field by the appointment date. Desired qualifications include previous experience conducting research with animal models as well as investigating the chemistry of dietary carbohydrates (e.g., starch, fiber), polyphenols, and/or Maillard reaction products. Experience with LCMS and/or gut microbiome characterization is preferred. Applicants should have a strong publication record, demonstrate creativity in research and scholarly communication, and work effectively in collaborative environments. The Postdoctoral Scholar will have opportunities to develop independent research directions and contribute to grant writing and mentoring students.

The position should be filled by December 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.


Interested applicants must upload a CV, names of three professional references, and cover letter describing research interests and career goals to the Penn State Job Posting Board. Application materials should be addressed to Dr. Anna Hayes (amh9504@psu.edu).

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

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Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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