Flavor Research Fellowship in Food Science, Chemistry, and Analytical Techniques (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is offering a Flavor Research Fellowship at its Albany, California location. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in food science, analytical chemistry, and the study of aroma and flavor compounds in foods and agricultural by-products. The ARS is the USDA's chief scientific research agency, dedicated to solving agricultural challenges and advancing scientific excellence for the benefit of American agriculture and food systems.

The research project focuses on investigating aroma and flavor compounds in fresh and processed foods, as well as agricultural by-products. Fellows will work under the mentorship of Dr. Yixiang Xu, a food technologist, and receive additional guidance from a flavor chemist. The project involves establishing flavor profiles based on cultivar, maturity, and processing conditions, and identifying their relationships with food quality and safety. There may also be opportunities to explore the connection between instrumental flavor analysis and sensory evaluation.

Fellows will gain hands-on experience with advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography (GC-MS, GC-FID), liquid chromatography (LC-MS, LC-DAD, LC-ELSD), and various extraction methods (SPME, LLE). Additional training includes data summarization, basic statistical analysis, and research report drafting. The appointment is full-time, initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have received or are currently pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in chemistry, materials sciences, engineering, or life/health/medical sciences within the past five years. Preferred qualifications include experience in analytical chemistry, food science and technology, and strong communication skills. Veterans may be eligible if their degree was received within the last ten years. All application documents must be in English or include an official translation, and proof of health insurance is required for participation.

The fellowship provides a competitive stipend ranging from $65,184 to $80,354 annually, commensurate with education and experience. Health insurance is required and can be obtained through ORISE. The application deadline is March 27, 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The research location is conveniently situated near San Francisco, UC Berkeley, and UC Davis, offering a vibrant scientific community and excellent networking opportunities.

To apply, candidates should submit their application through the Zintellect portal, including transcripts, a current resume/CV, and two recommendations. For further information, applicants may contact Dr. Yixiang Xu or email [email protected] with the reference code USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0054.