Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Food Science & Technology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The postdoc will design and execute fermentation experiments (submerged and solid-state), optimize media and process conditions (DoE/RSM), and scale workflows from bench to pilot bioreactors. Responsibilities include downstream recovery (protein/lipid/metabolites), analytical characterization (HPLC/GC, metabolomics as needed), data analysis/modeling, and rigorous documentation for TEA/LCA inputs. The role involves mentoring students, coordinating with collaborators/industry, and publishing in high-impact journals while supporting proposal development.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments

• Develop and optimize media, inoculum, and process parameters using DoE/RSM; monitor growth, kinetics, and product formation.

• Operate benchtop bioreactors, implement control strategies (pH, DO, aeration, feeding), and troubleshoot runs.

• Perform downstream processing (cell harvest, extraction, purification) and quantify products (protein, lipids, pigments, metabolites) using standard analytical methods (HPLC/GC/UV-Vis, proximate analysis).

• Analyze datasets, build mass/energy balances, and generate inputs for TEA/LCA. Maintain SOPs, lab records, and safety compliance.

• This position is expected to perform research independently, draft research manuscripts, train/mentor students, maintain lab functions and support the PI and Co-PIs with relevant administrative work.

• Meet with Dr. Reza Ovissipour frequently to discuss the project’s progress, grant writing, manuscript preparation, working with stakeholders, and mentoring.

• Attend meetings with the PI, and other research team members, stakeholders, and other collaborators.

• This job may include some travel.

• Other duties as required.

Required Education and Experience:

• A Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering or a closely related field is required.

Preferred Experience:

• Research experience in cell culture, molecular biology, gene editing, fermentation, and CRISPR.

• Strong background in fermentation, food engineering, and food processing.

• Experience in molecular biology, Gene editing, bioinformatics, cell culture.

• Experience with Cell counter, Inverted Microscope, 96-well plate reader, bioreactor, centrifuge, PCR, autoclave, DNA sequencing, Raman and FTIR.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

Ability to travel if needed.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.