Research Fellow

Create written technical resources in plant protein science

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is a nonprofit think tank working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. Alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI’s teams focus on making plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat delicious, affordable, and accessible. Powered by philanthropy, GFI is an international network of organizations advancing alternative proteins as an essential solution needed to meet the world’s climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.

How You Will Make a Difference 

As a Fellow, you will have the opportunity to apply your scientific background to review major topics in plant-based meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy to share with the alternative protein (AP) ecosystem. Your research will be crucial in informing the AP ecosystem on fundamental knowledge in the space as well as identifying further opportunities for growth and innovation. The Research Fellow (Plant-Based Meat) will be responsible for the following: 

Priority Projects 

• Co-authoring an updated plant-based landing page and conducting deep dives on our GFI science web pages through literature reviews about crop development and cultivation, ingredient fractionation and modification, component processing, and end product formulation and manufacturing.
• Updating our plant-based literature library to contain recent, relevant literature and patents by conducting literature reviews and analysis.

Other Projects

• Developing a plant-based focused course for GFI’s free online course.
• Contributing to GFI’s Advancing Solutions for Alternative Proteins (ASAP) by conducting literature reviews and writing a summary of high-priority plant-based research topics.
• Contributing to GFI’s annual State of the Industry Report for plant-based meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy.

Who We’re Looking For 

An ideal candidate for the Research Fellow (Plant-Based) position will have experience that reflects the following:

• Ph.D. preferred; candidates currently pursuing a Ph.D. in food science, crop science, or other aligned fields may also be considered. Candidates with a B.S. or M.Sc. with at least 2 years of relevant experience can also apply.
• Strong writing and literature research skills.
• Experience collaborating with diverse groups of researchers.
• Motivation to learn about new topics.
• Foundational scientific understanding of plant-based foods and plant proteins and the bottlenecks associated with their production. 
• Community building experience, strong verbal communication skills, strong plant protein characterization expertise.
• Ability to perform independent, self-paced work.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in plant-based & other alt proteins, public health, environmentalism, climate change, animal protection, or hunger relief.
• A commitment to GFI’s values: believe change is possible, do the most good we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We use a third-party anonymizing tool to redact personal information from submitted applications — including name, location, contact details, and several other factors — to reduce bias and increase fairness in our process. We strongly encourage people of every race, color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Since we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team. 

Research indicates that men tend to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the criteria, while women and people from other marginalized groups only apply if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about GFI’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The Fine Print

• Position Type: Independent Contractor
• Position Term: 10 hours per week for 16 weeks 
• Reports to: Priera Panescu, Ph.D. Lead Scientist, Plant-based
• Location: Remote; United States 
• Stipend: $4800 and will be paid pro-rata biweekly over the length of the assignment ($30/hour for 10 hours per week for 16 weeks)

Application Deadline: August 22, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: October 1, 2024