Post-Doctoral Associate

Field: Bioprocessing and Upcycling

Location: St. Paul campus

Supervisor: Dr. Prasanth Pillai, Assistant Professor

Appointment: Position is 100% time 12-month appointment. This Post Doctoral Associate position is renewable appointment, but renewal is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance. Post Doctoral Research Associate appointments at the University of Minnesota are limited to three years.

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Duties and Responsibilities

• Experimental Design and Research Execution:
  • Collaborate with Principal Investigators and laboratory personnel in the design, implementation, and evaluation of experiments focused on fermentation, molecular biology techniques, enzymatic and chemical extraction and purification, and other bioprocessing strategies aimed at the upcycling of food and agricultural byproducts into value-added products.
• Bioprocessing and Cultivation Systems:
  • Conduct microbial and algal cultivation experiments, including operation and optimization of laboratory- and pilot-scale fermentors/bioreactors. Apply plant tissue culture techniques and other biotechnological approaches to support sustainable bioconversion processes.
• Analytical Characterization:
  • Perform chemical, biochemical, and structural analyses of raw materials, intermediates, and final products using advanced analytical techniques, including chromatography and spectrometry. Contribute to process characterization and product quality evaluation.
• Sustainability and Process Evaluation:
  • Support the assessment of process sustainability and economic feasibility through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), integrating experimental data into process models and evaluating environmental and cost impacts of developed technologies.
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
  • Participate in the preparation, interpretation, presentation, and reporting of research data through internal reports, technical documents, and scientific presentations.
• Scholarly Publications and Dissemination:
  • Author and co-author scientific manuscripts, technical reports, conference papers, and other scholarly publications. Present research findings at professional meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Grant and Proposal Development:
  • Contribute to drafting research proposals and funding applications to federal agencies, foundations, and industry partners in order to secure funding for new research initiatives.
• Mentorship and Laboratory Management:
  • Train, mentor, and supervise graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design, laboratory techniques, safety procedures, and data analysis, while supporting the overall coordination and productivity of laboratory research activities.
    

Required Qualifications:

• Ph. D. Biotechnology, Food Chemistry, Material Science or related field
• Experience with biofermentor, cell culture techniques, LCA and TEA analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• General laboratory and management organizational skills
• Ability to work independently as well as with a diverse group of people
• Ability to multitask
• Evidence of willingness to learn new techniques.
• Experience with manuscript preparation and publication in peer-reviewed journals

The Department of Food Science and Nutrition creates and shares knowledge to ensure a safe, healthy, and appealing food supply that supports the well-being and prosperity of people and the environment.

Pay Range: $62,232 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include the following required application materials:

• Cover Letter
• CV/Resume
• List with contact information for three references

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

For questions, please contact Dr. Prasanth Pillai (psasidha@umn.edu).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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