Postdoctoral Scholar

** POSITION SPECIFICS
** The Kovac Laboratory in the Department of Food Science at The Pennsylvania State University seeks a highly motivated
** Postdoctoral Scholar
** to lead research on the prevention of cereulide contamination in infant formula and fermentation-derived food ingredients. The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary project focused on improving detection of cereulide-producing
* Bacillus cereus*, understanding factors driving cereulide formation in industrial fermentation systems, and contributing to the development of quantitative microbial risk assessment models to support industry and regulatory decision-making.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will play a central role in experimental design, laboratory research, data analysis, project coordination, publication development, mentoring trainees, and communication with collaborators.
** Major Responsibilities
**** Research and Laboratory Activities
*** Lead and conduct independent research aligned with project objectives.
* Perform microbiological analyses involving isolation, cultivation, enumeration, characterization, and preservation of
* Bacillus cereus
* group isolates.
* Develop, validate, and optimize culture-based and molecular detection methods for emetic

* B. cereus*.
* Conduct experiments evaluating microbial growth, toxin production, and survival under conditions relevant to infant formula and industrial fermentation systems.
* Conduct whole genome sequencing and sequence data analyses.
* Design and execute challenge studies and storage studies involving foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms.
* Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, biosafety procedures, and quality assurance practices.
* Maintain detailed laboratory records and support data reproducibility and research integrity.
** Data Analysis and Risk Modeling
*** Manage, organize, and analyze large microbiological and experimental datasets.
* Perform statistical analyses using R or similar software.
* Support the development of predictive microbiology and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) models.
* Generate figures, tables, and visualizations suitable for scientific publications, reports, and presentations.
* Contribute to data integration across laboratory, environmental, and risk modeling components of the project.
* Assist with development of decision-support tools for industry and regulatory stakeholders.
* Conduct whole genome sequence analyses.
** Project Management and Coordination
*** Coordinate project activities across collaborating institutions and industry partners.
* Assist in tracking project milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
* Organize and document project meetings, prepare agendas, and distribute meeting summaries and action items.
* Contribute to annual reports, progress reports, and sponsor-required deliverables.
* Maintain organized project documentation and data management systems.
* Facilitate communication among project participants and external collaborators.
** Scientific Writing and Dissemination
*** Lead and co-author peer-reviewed scientific publications.
* Prepare conference abstracts, posters, oral presentations, and extension materials.
* Contribute to grant proposals, progress reports, and technical reports.
* Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.
* Communicate scientific findings to academic, industry, and stakeholder audiences.
** Mentoring and Laboratory Leadership
*** Mentor undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and visiting scholars.
* Provide training in microbiological techniques, laboratory safety, data analysis, and research best practices.
* Supervise undergraduate research projects and assist with student professional development.
* Foster a collaborative and productive laboratory environment.
* Contribute to onboarding and training of new laboratory personnel.
** Laboratory Operations
*** Assist with laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, and inventory management.
* Coordinate purchasing of laboratory supplies and reagents.
* Monitor laboratory resources and ensure continuity of research activities.
* Contribute to development and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
** Required Qualifications
*** Ph.D. in Food Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biological Engineering or a closely related field.
* Strong research background in food microbiology, microbial ecology, food safety, or related disciplines.
* Experience working with bacterial pathogens and…