Postdoctoral Research Scholar - PHHI

Overview

Position Information:
Posting Number PG191722PD
• Position Number  
• Position Type Post Doc
• FLSA Exempt
• 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 some general laboratory management (10%), and some mentoring of graduate students as appropriate (10%).
• 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 predict phytochemical bioavailability, metabolism, and efficacy for disease prevention, among others.
• The majority of the work will be performed using 4 key research tools:
  1) anaerobic fecal fermentations,
  2) rodent models of nutrition/disease (including models of genetic diversity),
  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 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.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits:
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. Review our Employee Value Proposition and what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• 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

Attain Work-life balance with childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

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

• 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…