Postdoctoral Scholar (Food-Gut-Brain Lab)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants . Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants . This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. POSITION SPECIFICS The Food-Gut-Brain lab, headed by Dr. Anna Hayes, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to join our research team in the Department of Food Science at The Pennsylvania State University (University Park). The successful candidate will lead and assist with projects tied to the lab’s focus on 1) elucidating how the chemical structures of carbohydrate-containing foods and climate-smart crops influence eating behavior, metabolism, and cognition; 2) valorizing dietary fibers and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols from food byproduct streams and underutilized food components by examining their influences on gut-brain interactions; and 3) exploring the health impacts of process-induced compounds and food-based strategies to alter their consequences. Building on a strong foundation in food chemistry and food science, this work aims to advance understanding of how food physicochemical properties extend beyond their roles within foods to influence human health. Interested applicants must have a Ph.D. in food science, nutrition science, or a related field by the appointment date. Desired qualifications include previous experience conducting research with animal models as well as investigating the chemistry of dietary carbohydrates (e.g., starch, fiber), polyphenols, and/or Maillard reaction products. Experience with LC‑MS and/or gut microbiome characterization is preferred. Applicants should have a strong publication record, demonstrate creativity in research and scholarly communication, and work effectively in collaborative environments. The Postdoctoral Scholar will have opportunities to develop independent research directions and contribute to grant writing and mentoring students. The position should be filled by December 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants must upload a CV, names of three professional references, and cover letter describing research interests and career goals to the Penn State Job Posting Board . Application materials should be addressed to Dr. Anna Hayes (). BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here . EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines