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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 ... The Postdoctoral Scholar will have opportunities to develop independent research directions and ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Food Science and Technology Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Agriculture / Life Science, Research / Scientific This postdoctoral associate position is available beginning in August 2026.

Kansas State University

Fellow (Post Doc)

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$47K - $60K/yr

About This Role The postdoctoral candidate will lead fermentation and/or water management studies ... About Us The department of Grain and Food Science is committed to providing high-quality education ...

Umd

Postdoctoral Associate

College Park, MD · On-site

$50K - $176K/yr

... to fill a Postdoctoral Associate position with focus on understanding how preharvest and ... Ph.D. in plant biology, plant science, plant biochemistry, molecular biology, food science, or ...

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

College Station, TX · On-site

$5.4K/mo

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Agriculture ... Support community based education initiatives in food science and Agriculture. * Manage social ...

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How much do postdoctoral food science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 in the Postdoctoral Food Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Food Science professional, you need a PhD in Food Science or a related discipline, experience in experimental design, and strong research and analytical skills. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data analysis software (such as SAS, R, or MATLAB), and scientific publishing is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management abilities set standout candidates apart. These skills enable successful project execution, clear dissemination of findings, and effective collaboration in academic or industry research settings.

What is a Postdoctoral Food Science job?

A Postdoctoral Food Science job is a research-focused position for individuals who have completed a Ph.D. in food science or a related field. It typically involves conducting advanced research on food safety, quality, processing, or nutrition, often within a university, government agency, or industry setting. Postdocs work under the supervision of senior researchers, contribute to publications, and may gain experience in teaching or mentoring students. The position is usually temporary, lasting one to three years, and helps researchers build expertise before pursuing faculty roles or industry positions.

What are the typical responsibilities and focus areas for a Postdoctoral Food Science position?

Postdoctoral Food Science roles primarily involve conducting original research, developing and optimizing food products or processes, and publishing related findings in peer-reviewed journals. Responsibilities may include designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, collaborating with other scientists or industry partners, and mentoring graduate or undergraduate students. The focus areas can vary based on the research group or employer, ranging from food safety and microbiology to sensory science and product development. Candidates will often work within cross-functional teams and may have opportunities to present findings at conferences, helping to build their professional network for future career growth.

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What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Food Science jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Food Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Food Science jobs? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Food Science jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Food Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Food Science jobs are:
Postdoctoral Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Food Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person 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 18 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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11 - 50 Employees

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University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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