Postdoctoral Research Scholar - PHHI

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

North Carolina State University seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in Kannapolis, NC, to join the Plants for Human Health Institute. The role focuses on independent research on plant-derived phytochemicals and their interactions with the human gut microbiome, using LC–MS/MS, anaerobic fermentations, and rodent models.

The incumbent will lead data collection/analysis, contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals, and mentor graduate students, all within an interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, nutrition science, or related field.
• Experience with anaerobic microbiology, molecular biology (PCR), LC–MS/MS, or rodent work.
• Proven publishing record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Strong written and oral English communication.
• Ability to lead complex projects and supervise graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and directed research focusing on plant phytochemicals, the human gut microbiome, and health outcomes.
• Operate anaerobic fecal fermentations, rodent models, mammalian/bacterial cell culture, and LC–MS/MS; design studies, collect/analyze data, and prepare figures/tables.
• Contribute to manuscript and grant preparation and submission; present findings at meetings.
• Maintain and manage lab equipment and instruments; support and mentor students as appropriate.
• Develop hypotheses, design experiments, and adopt new techniques to advance research directions.

Skills

English communication

Independent research

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Mentorship

Education

PhD in Microbiology/Related field

Tools

LC–MS/MS

PCR

Rodent models

Cell culture

Job description

Job Posting

Posting Number: PG191722PD

Position Number: 00109897

Position Type: Post Doc

FLSA: Exempt

Department ID: 110308 - Kannapolis Research

Department: 110308 - Kannapolis Research

Location: Kannapolis, NC

Position Overview

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 some general laboratory management (10%), and some mentoring of graduate students as appropriate (10%).

Duties and Responsibilities

• The primary duties of this position will include conducting advanced independent and/or directed research with a focus on the interaction between plant–derived phytochemicals, the human gut microbiome and nutrition/health outcomes. Major research thrusts in the Neilson lab currently involve 1) utilizing phytochemicals to modulate production of gut microbiome–derived uremic toxins such as trimethylamine N‑oxide (TMAO), phenylacetic acid, phenylacetylglutamine, and imidazole propionate, and 2) understanding individual genetic differences that predict phytochemical bioavailability, metabolism, and efficacy for disease prevention, among others.
• The majority of the work will be performed using four key research tools: 1) anaerobic fecal fermentations, 2) rodent models of nutrition/disease (including models of genetic variety), 3) mammalian and/or bacterial cell culture, and 4) instrumental analysis (particularly LC–MS/MS). This will include study design, collection and analysis of data, ensuring quality of data, basic statistics analysis, generating tables and figures for presentation (in manuscripts and conference presentations) as it relates to impacts on human health, participation in preparation and submission of manuscripts, reports and grant proposals.
• Other general duties will include general lab and instrument maintenance and management as well as other duties as assigned. In addition to performing assigned experiments, the successful candidate will contribute to the intellectual direction of the lab by identifying important research questions, formulating hypotheses and designing experiments (including adoption of new techniques) to test those hypotheses.
• The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to work independently and creatively. She/He will provide support to peers, collaborative partners, and students, have good communication skills, and be able to articulate clearly the scientific and technical needs in the field, set clear goals, and work within an interdisciplinary setting.
• The successful candidate will be expected to develop and submit (with guidance from the Principal Investigator) postdoctoral fellowship applications and other grant applications to sponsors such as USDA, NIH, etc. The successful candidate is expected to routinely publish their research in relevant peer‑reviewed academic journals.

Work Schedule

Mon‑Fri, approx 8 am‑5 pm; work may sometimes be required outside of these hours due to the inherent nature of animal and bacterial experiments required for this position.

Requirements

• 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 fields: anaerobic microbiology/fermentations, molecular biology (PCR), analytical chemistry (particularly LC–MS/MS), in vitro work, or rodent work (gavage, injection, blood collection, etc.).
• 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 with knowledge of advanced microbiological, molecular, and/or analytical chemistry techniques as appropriate for plant‑derived phytochemicals.
• Ability to train and supervise graduate students and visiting scholars.
• Responsible for data acquisition, statistical processing, and interpretation as well as development and maintenance of datasets, and use of basic statistical and other software packages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: anaerobic microbiology or fermentation; molecular biology; rodent research methods; gnotobiotic/germ‑free animal research; biology and physiology of diabetes/obesity/cardiovascular disease; genetics/GWAS/QTL; polyphenol chemistry; ELISAs/RIAs; xenobiotic bioavailability/pharmacokinetics and metabolism; mammalian cell culture; fractionation or preparative chromatography; enzymology; molecular biology; in vitro fecal fermentations; in vitro digestions or dissolution testing; toxicology.
• Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in microbiology, gut microbiome, and molecular biology.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free.

Driver’s License

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes.

Equal Opportunity 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.

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