Position Summary:
Wheat Quality and Cereal Chemistry
The Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Wheat Quality Research Program, under the leadership of Dr. Shahidul Islam. This is a full-time, 24-month, grant-funded position focused on advancing wheat quality research through state-of-the-art analytical techniques. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research involving biochemical and rheological evaluation of hard red spring (HRS) wheat, with a particular emphasis on North Dakota production. A significant component of the role will involve the development of predictive models for wheat quality traits using large and complex datasets. This is a grant-funded position initially offered for two years. Subject to an annual performance review, and continuation for the subsequent year depends on satisfactory progress. The position may be renewed for up to two additional years, contingent upon both performance and the availability of funding.
Primary Responsibilities:
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Conduct comprehensive biochemical, compositional, and rheological assessments of wheat flour and its constituents.
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Analyze data related to protein composition, starch properties, dietary fiber, and gluten network functionality.
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Lead and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design, laboratory procedures, and data analysis.
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Oversee daily laboratory operations, including maintenance and calibration of equipment.
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Collaborate with national and international stakeholders, including the North Dakota Wheat Commission and U.S. Wheat Associates.
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Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and present research findings at scientific conferences and industry meetings.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Ph.D. in Cereal Science, Food Chemistry, Bio-chemistry, or a closely related field.
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Demonstrated expertise in analytical chemistry.
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Demonstrated experience in Image processing and prediction modeling for grain quality analyses.
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Strong record of scholarly publications.
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Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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Proven ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural research environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience on hyperspectral imaging-based prediction modeling for wheat grain quality.
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Demonstrated publication in statistical modeling, predictive analytics, or machine learning applications in grains.
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Familiarity with tools such as HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, NMR, NIR, Hyperspectral Imaging,
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Farinograph, Alveograph, Extensograph, Glutopeak, RVA, and Dietary Fiber Analyzer.
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Prior involvement in developing regression or classification models for grain quality research.
Advertised salary: $50,000 +/yr
Application Materials Needed:
Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter discussing research experience and how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed curriculum vitae; 3) list of publications 4) contact information (including phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three professional references from the most recent positions held.
Screening Date:
Review of applications will begin on July 11, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn’t just words—it’s proven. In NDSU’s most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development.
“My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person” and “I have the opportunities to learn and grow”,
were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you’ll experience here.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
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100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
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Choice of PPO/Basic or High-Deductible Health Plan with HSA
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Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
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Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
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Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
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Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
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Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
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Supportive work-life balance
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Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
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50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
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Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
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Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
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Supplemental Retirement Plans
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, [email protected].
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information:
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or [email protected].
