Post Doctoral Fellow

Description

The Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences (FNPS) at Clemson University seeks to fill one postdoctoral position starting in Summer 2026. The postdoctoral candidate will be housed in FNPS and under the direction of Dr. Scott Whiteside, Professor (Extension/Research). This position is funded through Clemson University Cooperative Extension to work specifically with South Carolina food manufacturers and food packaging companies. The preferred candidate should have a strong background in food packaging, food processing and extension programming. This position will include active participation in writing grant proposals and attracting funding for further extension programming in the area. Furthermore, the position will include many opportunities to connect with other partners and industries. South Carolina has over 700 food manufacturing companies producing a variety of food products with estimated annual sales of over $600,000,000 and employing over 16,000 workers. This post-doc position will support the South Carolina food manufacturing/packaging industry and food entrepreneurs in providing greater economic development through new innovative food products and/or other value-added agricultural products. Primary position responsibilities are:

• Statewide Food Systems & Safety program development (25%)
  • Creation of new innovative extension programs focused on food processing and packaging while utilizing the latest media and distance technology for SC food processors and potential food entrepreneurs. In addition, provide expertise in food packaging and processing topics for county extension agents.
  • Support of extension projects in the Cryovac Retort Lab and the Food Package Testing lab located in the FNPS Department.
  • Develop and assist with applicable food processing/packaging training to strengthen the knowledge and expertise of county agents working on the Food Systems & Safety program team.
• Food product shelf-life testing for SC food industry (25%)
  • Development food product shelf-life testing protocols, projects and proposals for SC food processors, manufacturers and entrepreneurs producing food products, with a primary emphasis on low-acid and acidified foods.
• Write and execute Extension and research grant proposals to support the Cryovac Retort Lab, Food Package Testing Lab and Food Systems & Safety Extension programs. (25%)
• Direct, manage and mentor students (undergraduate & graduate) working in the Cryovac Retort Lab and the Food Package Testing Lab. (25%)

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Technology or a closely related field by the time of application.
• Applicants must also have a documented record of publications in peer-reviewed journals or extension journals. Experience and success in grant writing would be given preference.
• Established expertise and experience in food packaging, food processing, and food product shelf-life testing. Food industry experience desired.
• Practical abilities to work in a variety of labs, build relationships with colleagues, and conduct extension programming independently. Note: The candidate should be legally authorized to work in the United States.