Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plasma Chemistry, BIopolymer Modification, and Protein Chemistry

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Closing Date:

09/13/2025

Type of Position:

Researchers

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

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Department:

Rice/Grain Processing Technology

Department's Website:

https://food-science.uark.edu/

Summary of Job Duties:

The Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the Novel Ingredient Processing and Utilization Lab. The lab is well-equipped with plasma and ultrasound technologies, as well as analytical facilities. The research areas are primarily focused on the extraction and modification of food proteins, chemical food safety, such as pesticide and PFAS degradation, and the modification of biopolymers for packaging films.

Responsibilities will include:
Research on protein modification and plasma catalysis. Analyze results and prepare reports.
Lead manuscript writing, summaries, and present findings at scientific and stakeholder events.
Seek new funding to expand research scope and impact.
Guide students in data analysis, troubleshooting, and writing.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. degree in Chemical/Food Engineering or a closely related field.

Must have knowledge of protein synthesis and protein chemistry.

· Knowledge of plasma catalysis and electrochemistry is preferred.

· Experience in biopolymer modification for functional films or food products.

· Experience in protein hydrolysis and the utilization of hydrolysates as functional ingredients.

· Familiarity with bioinformatics-based computational modeling.

· Strong analytical skills, with experience in HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, and NMR.

· Excellent writing ability, with some experience in statistical analysis, process m