Postdoctoral Research Scholar - PHHI

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 58,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits

Retirement and Leave

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

Wellness Programs

Childcare Benefits

Job summary

NC State University in Kannapolis, NC seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar for the Plants for Human Health Institute. The role involves leading independent research on plant-derived phytochemicals and their effects on health outcomes, alongside laboratory management and mentoring of graduate students.

Ideal candidates will hold a relevant doctoral degree and have proven research experience. The position includes a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience in anaerobic microbiology, PCR, LC‑MS/MS, in vitro work, or rodent work.
• Track record of publishing primary research findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Strong written and oral English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct independent research in microbiome and nutrition.
• Maintain laboratory instruments and manage general lab duties.
• Develop and submit postdoctoral fellowship and grant applications.

Skills

Anaerobic microbiology/fermentations

PCR

LC‑MS/MS

In vitro work

Rodent work

Education

Doctoral Degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Nutrition Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology

Tools

Statistical software packages

Job description

Posting Number: PG191722PD

Position Number: 00109897

Position Type: Post Doc

FLSA: Exempt

Department ID: 110308 - Kannapolis Research

Department: 110308 - Kannapolis Research

Job City & State: Kannapolis, NC

The Postdoctoral Scholar will assist the Principal Investigator (Dr. Andrew Neilson) in the Plants for Human Health Institute by leading and conducting independent research (80%) along with general laboratory management (10%) and mentoring graduate students as appropriate (10%).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced independent and/or directed research with a focus on the interaction between plant-derived phytochemicals, the human gut microbiome and nutrition/health outcomes, including: 1) utilizing phytochemicals to modulate production of gut microbiome-derived uremic toxins; 2) understanding individual genetic differences predicting phytochemical bioavailability, metabolism, and efficacy for disease prevention.
• Use key research tools: anaerobic fecal fermentations, rodent models, mammalian/bacterial cell culture, and instrumental analysis such as LC-MS/MS; design studies, analyze data, ensure data quality, perform basic statistics, generate tables and figures, and prepare manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Maintain laboratory and instruments, manage general lab duties, identify research questions, formulate hypotheses, and design experiments including new techniques.
• Work independently and creatively, support peers, collaborate, communicate clearly, and operate in an interdisciplinary setting.
• Develop and submit postdoctoral fellowship and other grant applications with guidance from the Principal Investigator, and routinely publish research in peer‑reviewed journals.

Work Schedule

Mon‑Fri, approximately 8am‑5pm; occasional work outside these hours may be required.

Required Skills

• Doctoral Degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Nutrition Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or a related field.
• Experience in one or more of the following: anaerobic microbiology/fermentations, PCR, LC‑MS/MS, in vitro work, or rodent work including gavage, injection, and blood collection.
• Demonstrated record of publishing primary research findings in peer‑reviewed scientific journals.
• Strong written and oral English communication skills.
• Ability to lead complex research projects and apply advanced microbiological, molecular, and analytical chemistry techniques related to plant‑derived phytochemicals.
• Ability to train and supervise graduate students and visiting scholars.
• Responsibility for data acquisition, statistical processing, and interpretation, and maintenance of datasets using basic statistical and other software packages.

Preferred Experience

• Expertise in anaerobic microbiology or fermentation; molecular biology; rodent research methods; gnotobiotic or germ‑free animal research; biology and physiology of diabetes/obesity/cardiovascular disease; genetics/GWAS/QTL; polyphenol chemistry; ELISAs; xenobiotic bioavailability/pharmacokinetics; mammalian cell culture; preparative chromatography; enzymology; in vitro fecal fermentations; in vitro digestions; toxicology.
• Preference for candidates with microbiology, gut microbiome, and molecular biology expertise.

Required License or Certification

n/a

Valid NC Driver's License required?

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Anticipated Hiring Range

$58,000-$60,000

Job Open Date

07/01/2026

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
• LEAD courses to enhance careers
• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

EEO Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail]. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.