Postdoctoral Research Scholar - PHHI

Position Information

Postdoctoral Scholar position in the Plants for Human Health Institute led by Dr. Andrew Neilson. The role focuses on independent research (80%) on plant‑derived phytochemicals, the human gut microbiome, and nutrition/health outcomes, with laboratory management (10%) and graduate student mentoring (10%). Research involves anaerobic fecal fermentations, rodent models, cell culture, and LC‑MS/MS analysis.

• Conduct advanced independent research on phytochemical interactions with the gut microbiome, focusing on uremic toxins such as TMAO and genetic differences predicting phytochemical bioavailability.
• Design and execute experiments using anaerobic fermentations, rodent models, cell culture, and LC‑MS/MS; perform data collection and analysis, basic statistics, and manuscript preparation.
• Maintain laboratory and instruments, and contribute to lab direction by identifying research questions, formulating hypotheses, and adopting new techniques.
• Work independently and creatively, supporting peers and students, communicating clearly, and thriving in interdisciplinary settings.
• Develop and submit postdoctoral fellowship and other grant applications under guidance of the PI, and publish research in peer‑reviewed journals.

Position located in Kannapolis, NC.

• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free.

• Doctoral degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Nutrition Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or related field.
• Experience in anaerobic microbiology/fermentations, molecular biology (PCR), LC‑MS/MS, in vitro work, or rodent work.
• Record of publishing primary research findings in peer‑reviewed 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 related to plant‑derived phytochemicals.
• Ability to train and supervise graduate students and visiting scholars.
• Responsible for data acquisition, statistical processing, interpretation, dataset development, and basic statistical/software package use.

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

None.

Required:

Yes.

Required:

No.

Anticipated hiring range: $58,000–$60,000.

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.

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.

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