Fellow (Post Doc)

This position focuses on developing biodegradable and food-safe polymers, composites, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for nutrient delivery and sustainable packaging. The successful candidate will design and characterize novel materials to advance the laboratory's vision of "Food as Medicine."

The department strives to provide high-quality education, foster innovation in grains and food science research, and build strong industry partnerships to meet the evolving needs of global food systems.
Our expert faculty includes several current and former Grain and Food Science members ranked among the world's top 2% of researchers, according to a 2020 Stanford University study.
For over 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 offers diverse opportunities for applied and basic research leading to master's or doctoral degrees in Grain Science.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Food Science, or a closely related discipline. 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.
• Hands-on research experience in polymer synthesis, characterization, or functional materials

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with biodegradable polymers or MOF-based systems.
• Background in food-compatible materials or structure-property analysis.
• Demonstrated record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to conduct independent, self-motivated research with a solid background in emulsion science.

Sponsorship eligibility:

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

Please submit the following documents:

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

Applications close on: January 30, 2026

$47,476 to $65,000