USDA-ARS Fellowship in Soy Protein Alternative Plant Protein Market

USDA-ARS Fellowship in Exploring Soy Protein for the Alternative Plant Protein Market

Located in Raleigh, NC, this U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) fellowship invites a doctoral candidate to investigate novel properties of diverse soybean breeding populations to support the alternative plant protein industry.

Final date to receive applications: 2/27/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Application Documents:

• An application
• An unofficial transcript (printout of academic records)
• A current resume/CV with academic and publication history
• Two educational or professional recommendations
• A copy of an abstract or reprint of an article

Responsibilities:

• Investigate functional properties of soy protein (protein composition, viscosity, foaming, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity)
• Participate in field trials to grow soybean progeny and increase their yield
• Enrich soy protein to minimize use of water and chemicals
• Purify plant proteins and evaluate their functionality using laboratory instruments

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in Life Health, Agricultural Sciences, Food Science, or related field obtained within the past five years
• Field experience growing soybean
• Lab skill to safely conduct experiments
• Expertise in plant science, molecular biology, genomics, food science, and protein science

Stipend: $1,250 – $1,350 weekly, commensurate with educational level

Participation: Full‑time, one year initial appointment (renewable)

Citizenship: U.S. citizen only

Mentor: Earl Taliercio (earl.taliercio)

Point of Contact: Janeen — emails ORISE.ARS.Southeast (include reference code USDA-ARS-SEA-)