Postdoctoral Research Scholar - PHHI

Posting Number: PG191722PD

Position Number:

Position Type: Post Doc

FLSA: Exempt

Department : 110308 - Kannapolis Research

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

• Conduct advanced independent and/or directed research with a focus on the interaction between plant-derived phytochemicals, the human gut microbiome and nutrition/health outcomes, including:
  1) utilizing phytochemicals to modulate production of gut microbiome-derived uremic toxins;
  2) understanding individual genetic differences predicting phytochemical bioavailability, metabolism, and efficacy for disease prevention.
• Use key research tools: anaerobic fecal fermentations, rodent models, mammalian/bacterial cell culture, and instrumental analysis such as LC-MS/MS; design studies, analyze data, ensure data quality, perform basic statistics, generate tables and figures, and prepare manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Maintain laboratory and instruments, manage general lab duties, identify research questions, formulate hypotheses, and design experiments including new techniques.
• Work independently and creatively, support peers, collaborate, communicate clearly, and operate in an interdisciplinary setting.
• Develop and submit postdoctoral fellowship and other grant applications with guidance from the Principal Investigator, and routinely publish research in peer‑reviewed journals.

Mon‑Fri, approximately 8am‑5pm; occasional work outside these hours may be required.

• 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: anaerobic microbiology/fermentations, PCR, LC‑MS/MS, in vitro work, or rodent work including gavage, injection, and blood collection.
• 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 and apply advanced microbiological, molecular, and analytical chemistry techniques related to plant‑derived phytochemicals.
• Ability to train and supervise graduate students and visiting scholars.
• Responsibility for data acquisition, statistical processing, and interpretation, and maintenance of datasets using basic statistical and other software packages.

• Expertise in anaerobic microbiology or fermentation; molecular biology; rodent research methods; gnotobiotic or germ‑free animal research; biology and physiology of diabetes/obesity/cardiovascular disease; genetics/GWAS/QTL; polyphenol chemistry; ELISAs; xenobiotic bioavailability/pharmacokinetics; mammalian cell culture; preparative chromatography; enzymology; in vitro fecal fermentations; in vitro digestions; toxicology.
• Preference for candidates with microbiology, gut microbiome, and molecular biology expertise.

n/a

Yes

No

$58,000-$60,000

07/01/2026

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
• LEAD courses to enhance careers
• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

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