Fellow (Post Doc)

The Kansas State University Department of Grain and Food Science is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral position focused on food products and dietary components and their effects on the gut microbiome and microbiota-derived metabolites. We welco...

  • 521253
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Grain Science & Industry
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Apr 30 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The successful candidate will conduct laboratory research investigating the effects of food products and dietary components on the gut microbiome and microbiota-derived metabolites. The research will primarily utilize anaerobic in vitro fermentation systems, with potential opportunities to participate in clinical research activities.

About Us

The department is committed to providing high-quality education, advancing innovation in grain and food science research, and building strong industry partnerships to meet the evolving needs of global food systems.

Our faculty includes several current and former Grain and Food Science members who are ranked among the world’s top 2% of researchers in a 2020 Stanford University study.

For more than 110 years, Kansas State University has been a global leader in flour milling and industry-focused education. Since 1951, it has remained one of the few institutions worldwide to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in Bakery Science and Management, Feed and Pet Food Science, Food Science, and Milling Science and Management.

Our internationally recognized graduate program also provides a wide range of opportunities for both applied and fundamental research, leading to master’s and doctoral degrees in grain science, food science, and related fields.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree. The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, Nutritional Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field
    • Experience with anaerobic microbiology techniques and in vitro fermentation systems
    • Experience in microbiome research and preparation of samples for omics-based analyses
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills
    • Experience with continuous fermentation systems and gut model platforms
    • Familiarity with metagenomics, metabolomics, and/or metaproteomics workflows
    • Publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals
    • Experience in multidisciplinary or industry-funded research

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume or CV
3. Contact information for three professional references

Application Window

Applications close on:04/30/2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$ 47,476 - $60,000 annual salary

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.