Clemson University Coastal Research and Education Center is offering PhD positions for Vegetable Postharvest Graduate Research Assistants within the Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences.
The center is dedicated to applied research, education, and public service programs focused on vegetable and specialty crops. Its research activities aim to enhance production and handling technology in the vegetable industry, with the dissemination of information through extension activities. The Research and Education Center collaborates closely with the Clemson University Extension Service, placing significant emphasis on local problem-solving initiatives and grower education programs.
Scholarship Summary
Scholarship Details:
Students have the opportunity to choose their dissertation project from the ongoing research within the postharvest program at CREC. Each student will be assigned their individual project and will also contribute to other ongoing projects. These projects will employ both traditional and innovative approaches to enhance the quality and shelf-life of intact or fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, investigating the physiological and molecular basis of produce shelf-life.
Responsibilities for the student include designing and executing postharvest trials, evaluating quality parameters, conducting biochemical and molecular assays, performing laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field work, and analyzing and interpreting results. It is mandatory for students to publish their research findings and present them at national or international meetings.
The selected candidate will become part of the Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences graduate program (PhD) at Clemson University.
Scholarship Requirements:
- An M.S. degree in plant sciences, horticulture, plant biology, plant biochemistry, food science, or related field.
- Candidates with laboratory research experience will be preferred.
- Prospective students should have a strong interest in:
1) fruit/vegetable quality and shelf-life, and
2) conventional and biotechnological approaches for reducing produce losses and waste.
- The applicant should be proactive, have excellent writing and oral communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as a part of a team. Strong critical thinking skills are required.
- The applicant should be a quick learner, have good time management skills, and pay attention to details.
Scholarship Duration and Reward
- The Graduate Research Assistantship includes a tuition waiver and an annual stipend.
Required Documents
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- Curriculum Vitae
- GRE & TOEFL scores
- Summary of relevant experience and career goals
Method of Application
Send a single PDF of CV, GRE & TOEFL scores, a summary of relevant experience and career goals, and contact details of three references to Dr. Karin Albornoz at [email protected].
Candidates must formally apply to and be accepted by the Clemson University Graduate School.
Screening of applicants will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
