Master’s Research Assistantships in Food Chemical Safety, Meat Science & Sensory Perception at Tennessee State University Tennessee State University in United States

Tennessee State University is offering two Graduate Research Assistantship opportunities for highly motivated Master’s students in the Department of Food and Animal Sciences, starting Fall 2026. Successful candidates will work under the supervision of Prof. Siyuan Sheng, Ph.D., and engage in research projects focused on Food Chemical Safety, Meat Science & Technology, and Consumer Sensory Perception. The research will initially take place at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Meat Processing Lab and will transfer to the new Food and Animal Sciences building at Tennessee State University upon its completion in December 2026.

Research topics include the analysis of chemical contaminants formed during the manufacturing, processing, and storage of meat products (Chemical Safety), improvement of fresh and processed meat quality traits (Meat Quality), consumer sensory evaluation and analysis of meat products (Sensory Science), and industry applications such as labor development, automation, and meat science extension education. The role also offers the opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new meat processing lab and the acquisition of advanced instrumentation, including GC-Orbitrap and MALDI-MS systems.

The assistantship provides a stipend of $2,400 per month for two years, health insurance, mentoring and internship support, national and international conference support, in-state tuition fee coverage, and a possible one-semester extension with stipend support. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Agricultural Sciences, Food Science, Animal Science, Biological Science, or related fields, with prior knowledge in instrumental analysis (HPLC, GC, MALDI, etc.). Official academic transcripts, GRE test scores, and TOEFL/IELTS scores (for international students) are required.

To apply, candidates should submit their application through the Tennessee State University portal for the Food and Animal Science (MS) program and indicate their desired academic advisor. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Prof. Sheng at [email protected] with 'Prospective Graduate Student' in the subject line prior to applying. The application deadline is August 1, 2026.