USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Plant Protein Research

Overview

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in‑house research agency. Its mission is to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day, providing innovative tools and solutions for farmers, producers, industry, and communities. The Functional Foods Research (FFR) unit in Peoria, Illinois develops bioactive food ingredients and value‑added products from low‑value agricultural resources.

The ORISE participant will be a part of a collaborative research initiative focused on processing and food applications of proteins derived from plant sources such as alfalfa and legumes. Through this appointment the participant will gain firsthand experience in a federal research laboratory, working with chemists, material scientists, plant scientists, and food engineers to understand the utilization of oils, proteins, and phytochemicals from major and emerging U.S. crops.

The participant will have access to a state‑of‑the‑art pilot plant and advanced analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, texture analyzers, FT‑IR spectrometers, zeta potential and particle size analyzers, differential scanning calorimeters, and supercritical CO₂ extractors. Hands‑on training will be provided in the characterization of plant proteins, including assessment of secondary structure, surface charge and hydrophobicity, thermal properties, digestibility, texture profile, and other key techno‑functional properties.

• Develop and optimize procedures for extracting plant proteins with high purity, improved color, and desirable sensory attributes.
• Conduct analyses of the structural, nutritional, and functional properties of extracted plant proteins.
• Characterize interactions between plant proteins and co‑factors, including phenolics and volatile flavor compounds.
• Evaluate the effects of pre‑harvest factors (e.g., light exposure) and post‑harvest treatments (e.g., hydrothermal processing) on protein structure and functionality.

Zi Teng (zi.teng)

• Start date:
  
  Anticipated October 2026 (flexible)
• Length:
  Initially one year; may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and contingent on funding availability
• Level of participation:
  Full time
• Stipend: $74,678 annually (monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience)
• Citizenship requirement: U.S. citizen only

Candidate must have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields within the past five years.

• Knowledge of food chemistry, food engineering, biochemistry, and plant physiology.
• Experience in purification, characterization, modification, and structure‑function relationships of proteins, and principles of physical and chemical analyses relevant to food and nutrition, as well as handling and analysis of plant tissues, preferably including leaves and legume seeds.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to work independently and within a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Biophysical Chemistry
    • Chemistry (General)
    • Materials Sciences
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Polymer Chemistry
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences

Sara Beth