ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Postdoctoral Food Microbiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NCAT

Post Doctoral Research Associate

Greensboro, NC · On-site

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on ... D. in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field (earned ...

All JobsPostdoctoral Food Microbiology Jobs

Postdoctoral Food Microbiology information

See salary details

$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral food microbiology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral food microbiology 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 does a typical workday look like for a Postdoctoral Food Microbiology researcher?

A typical workday for a Postdoctoral Food Microbiology researcher involves conducting experiments in the lab, analyzing samples, and interpreting data related to foodborne pathogens or spoilage organisms. You may spend time reviewing scientific literature, preparing manuscripts or conference presentations, and collaborating with colleagues from fields such as chemistry, engineering, or regulatory affairs. Many days also include meetings with supervisors, research teams, or industry partners to discuss project progress and troubleshoot challenges. This dynamic environment provides the opportunity to contribute to important food safety innovations and advance your professional skills.

What is a Postdoctoral Food Microbiology job?

A Postdoctoral Food Microbiology job is a research-focused position for individuals who have completed a Ph.D. in food microbiology or a related field. It involves conducting advanced research on foodborne pathogens, microbial safety, fermentation, or food preservation techniques. Postdocs often work in academic, government, or industry labs, contributing to scientific publications, grant writing, and collaboration with other researchers. This position helps develop expertise and prepares individuals for careers in academia, industry, or regulatory agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Postdoctoral Food Microbiology position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Food Microbiology researcher, you need advanced expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and food safety, typically supported by a Ph.D. in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as PCR, next-generation sequencing, and microbiological culturing, as well as experience with data analysis software and relevant safety certifications, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative research environments. These competencies are crucial for conducting high-quality research that advances food safety and quality, while also effectively sharing findings with interdisciplinary teams.

More about Postdoctoral Food Microbiology jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Food Microbiology jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Food Microbiology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Food Microbiology jobs? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Food Microbiology jobs are:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Food Microbiology jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Food Microbiology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Food Microbiology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Food Microbiology jobs are:
Postdoctoral Food Microbiology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Food Microbiology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate- Food Microbiology

Postdoctoral Research Associate- Food Microbiology

Central State University

Wilberforce, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number
0801832
Classification Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate- Food Microbiology
Working Title
Department
Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP)
Department Contact Email
rkorir@centralstate.edu
Job Summary/Basic Function
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in food microbiology safety to work on pathogen study projects focused on pre-and post-harvest fresh produce safety, especially those grown in aquaponics and hydroponic systems. The position involves agricultural, food science, and microbiological collaborative projects located at CSU campus in Wilberforce, Ohio. The main goal of our food safety studies is to improve food safety and reduce foodborne illness by examining the routes of contamination of fruits and vegetables with human pathogens. Under guidance from the CSU project directors, the participant will help in designing and conducting all aspects of the experiments from laboratory to growth chambers, greenhouse, aquaponics, and fields trials. The participant will learn methods to reduce bacterial pathogen loads contamination, integrated data collection and analysis, and novel methods to isolate and maintain microbial cells and nucleic acids. This is an integrated produce safety research project, and the participant will have opportunities to learn and participate in our food safety extensions programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
• Participates in and coordinates: microbiological research and field research project design.
• Leads experiment execution, sampling, data analysis, reporting, and publication preparation.
• Help design and implement research protocols and coordinate research studies focusing on human pathogenic bacteria, microbiome, biofilms, and fungi in aquaponics and hydroponic systems.
• Assist as needed to analyze water samples for microbiological quality from the CSU extension stakeholder's farmers and industries in states of Ohio.
• Carry out Bio-informatics analysis.
• Evaluation of microbiological quality of the fresh produce in local agricultural and food production systems.
• Perform food microbiology research reviews.
• Supervise research assistant students in the laboratory.
• Contribute to development and improvement of the CSU food safety sanitation and good agricultural practices training program
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
• Cooperate with the lab technicians to oversee media preparation, culture management, bio-assay studies in growth chambers and greenhouse studies maintenance, experiment media and reagent quality control analysis.
• Perform microbiological and molecular analysis using culturing, DNA & RNA extractions, PCR, and qPCR techniques.
• Collect, analyze, and report research data for presentations in farmers' seminars and research conferences, and for manuscript preparation.
• Ability to adapt and apply academic/practical knowledge to conduct microbiological research on foods and food systems including water quality analysis required.
• Strong background in food microbiology experience particularly working with human pathogenic bacteria, working with technologies such as bioinformatics, SAS; R-studio; experience designing and leading research experiments, supervising undergraduate student research assistants, and analyzing data and manuscript preparation desired.
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D., in Microbiology, Food Safety, or Food Science & Technology or equivalent education experience in a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Posting Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
The applicant must have a valid driver's license. Also, the individual must be authorized to work in the US.
This is a full-time position funded by annual allocation by National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Evans Allen Program with matching contributions from the State of Ohio.
The appointment will initially be for two years but may be renewed upon recommendation of CSU project directors and is contingent on the performance and availability of funds.
All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.
Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources.
Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.
Position Category
Budgeted Annual Salary
Commensurate with experience

Apply