This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Southeast Area (SEA), Southern Regional Research Center, Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research Unit located in New Orleans, LA. In this position, you will develop extrusion and non-extrusion processes for the texturization of plant proteins. The research requires novel multidisciplinary approaches, complex research techniques, and collaboration with scientists within the research unit.

Duties

Develop innovative methods for the texturization of plant-based proteins and to assess the effects of these technologies on food product quality, enabling the development of new products. Work with other scientists in the research unit to help resolve the underlying biochemical mechanisms involved in the effective texturization of plant proteins to enhance the commercial use of plant-based ingredients. Develop innovative texturizing technologies, determining how commonly used commodity assessment traits correlate to protein texturization properties, and studies of how biochemical changes to grain impact protein texturization. Use various forms of food processing (spray drying, extrusion, membrane filtration, protein isolation, etc.) and physical characterization of proteinaceous materials. Collaborate with other scientists in the unit to investigate interrelationships between the raw materials (commodities) and the biochemistry of isolated proteins and how these interactions influence texturization. Develop new product forms and collaborate with sensory scientists to determine how new technologies and ingredients affect sensory traits and consumer acceptance.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Successful completion of a three year probationary period.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements for Food Technology Series 1382 A. Degree: food technology, or dairy technology, microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline or field of biological or physical science. The course work must have been comprised of at least 30 semester hours in the basic biological and physical sciences, and included at least 20 semester hours in food technology and closely related subjects, or 20 semester hours in subjects that can be applied directly to food technology. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major, including the course work specified, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: experience conducting experimental or modeling research in the area of food technology focused on using food processing techniques; utilizing multiple research analysis techniques in a laboratory, publishing research results in peer reviewed journals related to food; and collaborating peers to reach a common scientific goal. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: experience planning and conducting food processing research; operating, optimizing, and conducting novel research on food processing equipment; and publishing original research as first author in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to food technology; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders; and presenting research findings at professional meetings of regional stature. GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are: experience leading food processing research including developing foods from texturized plant proteins; using and developing novel food processing technologies, and collaboration with scientists within research groups; publishing independent research findings as either first or senior corresponding author in peer-reviewed journals related to food technology; establishing collaborations with internal and external stakeholders; and presenting research findings at professional meetings of national stature. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Chirag Patel
• Phone: 5716693542
• Email: [email protected]