"Post Doctoral Fellow - Food, Nutrition & Packaging Sciences"

Job Details

Post Doctoral Fellow - Food, Nutrition & Packaging Sciences
Clemson University: College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition & Packaging Sciences

Location: 223 Poole Ag Center
Open Date: Aug 22, 2025

Description
The Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences (FNPS) at Clemson University seeks to fill one postdoctoral position starting in fall 2025. The postdoctoral candidate will be housed in FNPS and directed by Prof. William Scott Whiteside (PI; FNPS) with support from Dr. Sneh Bangar (Co-PI; RIT) and Dr. Zhaoxu Meng (Co-PI; Mechanical Engineering). This position is funded by a USDA FAS Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab to Assist Specialty Crop Exports Grant (ASCE-SPIL) to work on a specific current project, "Development of Cross-linked Starch-Based Barrier Coating Materials for Paper Packaging of Almonds". The preferred candidate should have a strong background in polymer chemistry (specifically in carbohydrates), composite development, nanotechnology and sustainability. This position will include active participation in writing grant proposals and attracting funding for further research in the area. Furthermore, the position will include many opportunities to connect with other partners and industries.

The postdoc will complete experimental and computational research with the following aims: Aim 1: Standardize the crosslinking modification of pearl millet starch; Aim 2: Develop cross-linked starch-based paper coatings and optimize oxygen barrier, sealing integrity, and repulpability; Aim 3: Evaluate pilot scale readiness and cost-effectiveness of the starch-based paper packaging solution for industrial application. Through those three aims, we aim to establish a foundation for the large-scale commercialization of starch-based coatings for almond packaging, supporting exporters in meeting emerging regulatory requirements. The postdoc will receive laboratory training and will assume general responsibility for scientific operations in the lab. Clemson University is gaining recognition as a prominent national leader in the field of biopolymer packaging. FNPS has a long-standing reputation for innovative research and development of sustainable packaging solutions. This project also strongly aligns with CU's strategic initiatives, including improving the sustainability and quality of natural resources and promoting public-private partnerships.

About the Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences
The Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences (FNPS) Department awards two undergraduate degrees (B.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition and B.S. in Packaging Sciences) and three graduate degrees (M.S. in Food, Nutrition and Culinary Sciences, M.S. in Packaging Science, and Ph.D. in Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences). The Department is made up of 28 faculty, over 500 undergraduates, and approximately 50 graduate students. For more information about the department, go to: https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/food-nutrition-packaging-sciences/

About Clemson University South Carolina's highest-ranked national university is located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by Lake Hartwell and the Clemson Experimental Forest. It is home to nearly 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Clemson University has the highest Carnegie research designation (Very High, R1) and is committed to building a community of inclusive excellence where faculty scholars are dedicated to working and teaching in a multicultural environment (http://www.clemson.edu/inclusion/). The ClemsonForward Strategic Plan focuses on advancing its doctoral programs and strengthening research and scholarly impact while preserving the signature undergraduate experience that is at the heart of Clemson University. Learn more about the university at www.clemson.edu

Qualifications
Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Polymer Chemistry or a related field by the time of application.
• Applicant must also have a demonstrated record of publication in peer-reviewed journals. Experience in grant writing would be given preference.
• Evidence of strong communication skills, experience in working with diverse colleagues, and management are highly valued in ranking applicants.
• A prior knowledge and experience in Carbohydrate biopolymers, their production/modification, and their applications.
• Practical abilities to work in a variety of labs, build new experimental setups, and conduct research independently.

Note: The candidate should be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Application Instructions
Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, unofficial graduate transcripts, and three letters of reference addressing research competence. Applications must be completed through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/172604) and will be accepted until the position has been filled.

For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/172604