About the role#
The Department of Nutrition and Food Science is hiring two graduate students for a research program led by Dr. Mohammad Zarei. Supported by the NSF Center for Research Advancement in Smart Manufacturing, this role connects food science experimentation with process monitoring, data analysis, and digital-twin validation. You will contribute to research on sustainable food manufacturing, including projects on tomato seed meal, sorghum distillers grains, and alfalfa. Assignments may also cover alternative proteins, biorefineries, extrusion, and AI-assisted process optimization.
What you'll do#
- Plan and conduct laboratory experiments following approved protocols.
- Assist with protein extraction, hydrolysis, fermentation, extrusion, fractionation, purification, and bioactivity testing.
- Operate and maintain research equipment, including stirred-tank bioreactors, twin-screw extrusion systems, and texture or viscosity instruments.
- Monitor process variables, collect and organize experimental data, and maintain accurate laboratory records.
- Analyze results using statistical tools and prepare figures, reports, and manuscript materials.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to provide datasets for simulations and predictive models.
- Follow safety, biosafety, and waste-management procedures while helping organize shared laboratory spaces.
- Participate in research meetings to communicate progress, troubleshoot experiments, and support undergraduate researchers.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Cal Poly Pomona graduate program in food science, nutrition, food engineering, biotechnology, biological sciences, chemical engineering, or a related field.
- Good academic standing.
- Relevant coursework or laboratory experience in food chemistry, microbiology, engineering, biochemistry, or bioprocessing.
- Ability to work safely, follow protocols, and manage multiple research tasks.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
- Availability to work approximately 10 hours per week.
- Experience with protein extraction, fermentation, bioreactors, extrusion, or food-product analysis is preferred.
- Familiarity with experimental design, statistics, and software like Excel, JMP, R, Python, or MATLAB.
- Interest in sustainable food processing, smart manufacturing, sensors, automation, or digital-twin applications.
- Interest in presenting research, co-authoring publications, and mentoring students.
Location & details#
- Location: Pomona, California.
- Modality: On-site.
- Term: Rolling.
- This is a paid, part-time position.
About Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises
Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises is a nonprofit organization established in 1966. It operates in the higher education sector and provides services to Cal Poly Pomona. The organization manages dining, college retail, student housing, hospitality, and real estate. Surplus funds from these operations support the university by providing financial and facility resources for students, faculty, and staff.
How to get in at Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises
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