Postdoctoral Fellow – Companion Animal Nutrition and Metabolism | Kansas State University

Postdoctoral Fellow – Companion Animal Nutrition and Metabolism | Kansas State University

Department: Department of Grain and Food Science

Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA

Research Area: Companion Animal Nutrition | Feline Nutrition | Animal Metabolism | Protein Metabolism | Energy Metabolism | Indirect Calorimetry | Stable Isotope Techniques | Pet Food Science

The Pezzali Lab at Kansas State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to lead research projects focused on protein and energy requirements and metabolism in domestic cats
.

The successful candidate will conduct and coordinate feline feeding trials and contribute to the development and validation of research methodologies and experimental protocols. The position also involves laboratory and statistical analysis, scientific writing, publication of research findings, grant development, and mentorship and supervision of graduate students.

Conduct both fundamental and applied research focused on companion animal nutrition, metabolism, and pet food science.

Investigate protein and energy requirements and metabolism in domestic cats to improve scientific understanding of feline nutritional physiology.

Apply indirect calorimetry techniques to study energy metabolism and physiological processes in companion animals.

Use stable isotope methods to investigate metabolic processes and nutrient utilization.

Conduct and coordinate cat feeding trials and support the planning, execution, and analysis of animal nutrition studies.

Develop, validate, and execute detailed research methodologies and experimental protocols
.

Perform laboratory analyses and contribute to the statistical analysis and interpretation of research data
.

Gain exposure to the full continuum of raw material selection, diet formulation, food processing, and nutritional outcomes
.

The fellow will work in a new facility at Western Star Global Grain and Food Science
, which includes analytical laboratories and pilot-scale processing capabilities
, allowing research diets to be produced on site.

Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, research reports, and scientific publications based on project findings.

Contribute to grant proposals and other funding applications to support new and ongoing research projects.

Participate in the mentorship and supervision of graduate students and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

This postdoctoral position focuses on understanding important aspects of companion animal nutrition and metabolism
, with a particular emphasis on domestic cats.

The research may involve:

• Energy metabolism and nutrient requirements
• Feline feeding trials
• Animal physiology and nutrition

The position provides an opportunity to work across the full research pipeline, from basic nutritional and physiological research to practical pet food applications
.

The selected Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to:

• Lead research projects focused on companion animal nutrition and metabolism
  .
• Investigate protein and energy requirements in domestic cats.
• Conduct and coordinate feline feeding trials
  .
• Apply indirect calorimetry and stable isotope techniques where relevant.
• Develop and validate research methodologies and experimental protocols.
• Perform laboratory analyses.
• Conduct statistical analysis and interpretation of research data.
• Manage multiple research responsibilities and troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Engage with industry partners and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the broader research activities of the K-State Pet Food Program
  .

Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Biochemistry, Nutrition, or a related discipline
  .
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and research activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Experience developing and executing detailed research protocols.
• Strong scientific writing skills.
• A record of peer-reviewed scientific publications
  .
• A creative and rigorous approach to scientific research.
• Interest…