Postdoc research fellow Full-time

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)
School of Food Science
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.
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.
paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts. full-time
( temporary
This position is overtime
This is a temporary position expected to start on January 1, 2027, and end on December 31, 2027. Postdoctoral Requirements:
For detailed information on eligibility for postdoctoral appointments, please visit: WSU/UAW Postdoctoral Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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.
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.
School of Food Science
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
School of Food Science
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.
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. Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Girish Ganjyal, girish.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. Union Representation:
This position is represented exclusively by Postdocs United/United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) under the
Information regarding the Union and the CBA is available on the WSU Labor Relations website.
all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.
S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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