We are continuously seeking passionate undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars to join our team. If our research aligns with your interests, please reach out to Dr. Huang at kang.huang@wsu.edu.
Open Position – Postdoctoral Research Associate
Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate at WSU
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Location: Pullman, WA
Anticipated Start Date: August 2024
Position Summary
Washington State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in food and biomaterials engineering. The goal of this project is to develop novel multifunctional materials and intervention approaches for addressing microbial safety and sustainability issues within food and agricultural systems. This is a full-time, 100%FTE position with an annual salary of $54,000 – $60,000 plus WSU fringe benefits, immediately available for one year to support research activities under the direction of the principal investigator, with a possibility of renewal based on performance and continued funding.
Position Duties
The role of this postdoc position encompasses a variety of responsibilities:
- conducting independent research in the area of food safety and sustainability;
- developing scholarly manuscripts, presentations for scientific conferences, and reports for the USDA to disseminate research findings;
- mentoring students and managing the laboratory under the supervision of the advisor;
- assisting in identifying funding sources and drafting grant proposals;
- engaging in relevant extension activities;
- performing other research-related tasks as needed.
Required Qualifications
- A PhD in material chemistry, food engineering, or a related field.
- Strong theoretical background and experimental experience in material synthesis and characterization, and their applications in food safety.
- Basic knowledge and skills in conducting microbiological analysis on foods and food systems.
- Strong written and oral communication skills with ability to publish manuscripts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Preference will be given to applicants with strong publication records, considerable drive and motivation, and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Experience in functionalization of cellulose materials.
How to Apply
Inquiries and applications can be submitted to Dr. Kang Huang at kang.huang@wsu.edu.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting immediately until the position is filled. Early submission is strongly recommended.
Please include 1) a cover letter summarizing their interests in the position and qualifications, 2) a CV, and 3) contact information for three references.
Graduate Students
Prospective graduate students who are interested in interdisciplinary research across Food Engineering, Material Chemistry, AI, and Food Safety in our group are encouraged to submit applications to the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Washington State University (WSU). You are encouraged to contact Dr. Huang at kang.huang@wsu.edu if you have any questions about our research.
How to apply
To submit a formal application, please visit https://bsyse.wsu.edu/graduate-program/how-to-apply/.
Undergraduate students
We believe that undergraduate research is an important educational element in both engineering and science. In our lab, undergraduate students collaborate closely with postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and professors. Motivated and dedicated students will have the opportunity to develop an independent project which may lead to conference presentations and journal publications. If you are passionate about scientific research in food safety and food engineering, feel free to contact Dr. Huang at kang.huang@wsu.edu to explore opportunities.
Self-funded Visiting Scholars
Visiting scholars (professors or students) with their own funding, interested in the multidisciplinary research encompassing Food Engineering, Material Chemistry, and their applications in Food Safety, are welcome to reach out to Dr. Huang at kang.huang@wsu.edu. Please specify your funding source in the correspondence. Preference will be given to applicants intending a visit of 6 months or longer.