POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

Posting Number: SRGV8509

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Edinburg, Texas

Department: Office of Research

FLSA: Exempt

Scope of Job:

Trainee position to pursue research as a vital component of their educational mission and professional career development. Works under minimal supervision with some latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment in research and/or teaching. Performs teaching and/or research work as required within the classroom and/or project assigned.

Description of Duties:

• Designs and conducts research on microbial and chemical food safety with emphasis on novel materials, advanced technologies, and antimicrobial interventions.
• Develops, validates, and optimizes innovative food safety technologies and methods for farm to fork applications.
• Analyzes microbial responses to environmental stress and interventions using advanced analytical and imaging tools.
• Leads and contributes to competitive grant proposal preparation and submission.
• Drafts, edits, and publishes manuscripts in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Mentors and supervises graduate and undergraduate students in research design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Collects, interprets, and manages experimental data to prepare progress and technical reports.
• Presents research outcomes at scientific conferences, stakeholder meetings, and outreach forums.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and external partners on food safety research priorities.
• Assists with lab management, compliance, and other program development activities as assigned.
• May teach one to two courses per semester in conjunction with faculty member, if assigned.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received: General direction from the assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given: None.

Required Education: Doctoral degree from an accredited University in Science, Engineering, Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or related fields.

Preferred Education: None.

Licenses/Certifications: None.

Required Experience: Demonstrated background in developing, testing, or evaluating new technologies or methods. Hands-on experience with data collection, processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation.

Preferred Experience: Two (2) years of relevant experience.

Equipment: Use of personal computer and proficiency in software and research statistical applications.

Working Conditions: Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office/research environment; some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Other: Proven ability to organize, prioritize, and adjust work plans in response to shifting goals and timelines. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively. This is a trainee position subject to a specific time as agreed to by stakeholders.

Employment Category: Full-Time

Minimum Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date: 09/08/2025

Grant Funded Position: Yes

If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date: 08/31/2026