Postdoctoral Research Scholar- Theriot

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

Leave benefits

Childcare access

Job summary

North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is seeking a post‑doctoral scientist to advance gut microbiota research. The successful candidate will characterize bacteria for their ability to modulate bile acids and compete with C.

difficile, contributing to precision probiotics development. The role involves engineering bacterial strains, analyzing omics data, and collaborating with the PI and lab team to design experiments, interpret results, and prepare work for

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong computational skills and experience with microbiome or omics data analysis.
• Experience in bacterial engineering, anaerobic physiology, or infectious disease microbiology preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Responsibilities

• Characterize bacterial isolates for bile acid modification and competition with C. difficile.
• Engineer bacterial strains to alter bile acid and amino acid metabolism in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.
• Analyze gut microbiome and metabolomics data to elucidate host–microbiota interactions.
• Collaborate with the PI and laboratory members on experimental design, data interpretation, and project execution.
• Prepare data for publication, presentation, and grant submissions.
• Maintain laboratory safety and record‑keeping protocols.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Microbiology

Biochemistry

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in microbiology or bioinformatics

Tools

R/RStudio

Microsoft Office

Job description

North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is a dynamic community dedicated to preparing veterinarians and veterinary scientists while advancing animal and human health. The College ranks 3rd among the nation's 28 veterinary medicine schools.

Position Overview

A post‑doctoral scientist (minimum 1 year) is available in Prof. Casey Theriot’s group. The successful applicant will characterize bacteria for their ability to alter bile acids and compete with Clostridioides difficile for the same nutrients. The scholar will also bioengineer bacteria to manipulate bile acid and amino acid metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract. The laboratory investigates gut microbiota’s colonization resistance against enteric pathogens and designs targeted therapeutics and precision probiotics.

Responsibilities

• Characterize bacterial isolates for bile acid modification and competition with C. difficile.
• Engineer bacterial strains to alter bile acid and amino acid metabolism in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.
• Analyze gut microbiome and metabolomics data to elucidate host–microbiota interactions.
• Collaborate with the PI and laboratory members on experimental design, data interpretation, and project execution.
• Prepare data for publication, presentation, and grant submissions.
• Maintain laboratory safety and record‑keeping protocols.

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong computational skills and experience with microbiome or omics data analysis.
• Experience in bacterial engineering, anaerobic physiology, or infectious disease microbiology preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Prior research experience in microbiology or bioinformatics.
• Organization, attention to detail, and time‑management skills.
• Computer literacy with Microsoft Office and data analysis software (R, RStudio).
• Goal‑oriented, high motivation, and ability to meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, retirement, and leave benefits.
• Faculty and staff assistance program.
• LEAD courses to enhance career development.
• Access to childcare, wellness, and recreation memberships.
• Free attendance at non‑revenue generating sporting events.

Work Schedule

40‑hour work week with occasional weekend work as required.

Administrative

Valid NC driver’s license is not required.

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 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. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex‑offender background checks. Degree(s) must be obtained before the start date to meet qualifications. NC State University participates in E‑Verify.

For general questions, contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].