Postdoctoral Researcher (Animal Science & Nutrition

Postdoctoral Researcher (Animal Science & Nutrition)

Prairie View A&M University

CAHS | Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology

Proposed Minimum Salary:
Commensurate

Job Location:

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type: Staff

Job Description:

The postdoctoral researcher will undertake research at the International Goat Research Center. The primary objective of the research project is to identify the most efficient goats for meat production by assessing residual feed intake (RFI), feed conversion efficiency, and specific biomarkers. These biomarkers play a crucial role in regulating animal growth, feed intake, and rumen fermentation. The research will utilize the Grow Safe Feeding System and Green Feed gas analyzer instrument.

Additionally, the lab's long-term goals include exploring the synergistic effects of natural feed additives, such as hemp biomass products, which have the potential to reduce the environmental impact of goats by lowering methane emissions. Methane emissions of goats will be measured using Green Feed. The candidate will also engage in studies aimed at developing feeding strategies for spent hemp biomass (SHB), translating fundamental goat research into practical applications for goat production.

Therefore, a solid understanding of both basic and applied animal science, as well as ruminant nutrition, is essential for this position.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University's compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates' education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Collect feed samples, body weights, body condition scores, and blood samples; assess biochemical properties; conduct feed analysis and related data collection.
• Design experiments and conduct feeding trials using goats.
• Provide day-to-day animal husbandry during experimental trials.
• Extract feeding behavior data, including bunk visits, feeding rate, and feeding duration.
• Conduct statistical data analysis using current software and develop programming to calculate residual feed intake.
• Prepare manuscripts, research reports, and publications.
• Train and supervise technicians and undergraduate students. Participates in college-wide events and professional developments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required

Education and Experience:

• A PhD in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, and Animal Physiology or related fields
• No prior experience required.
• Research experience in animal feeding trials using automated feeding systems such as Grow Safe Technology.
• Skill of using the Green Feed Chamber gas analyzer on small ruminant animals.
• Experience in analyzing feed efficiency, including Residual Feed Intake in small ruminant.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals (Journal of Animal Science, Journal of Dairy Science, and Small Ruminant Research).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skills in blood sample and biomarker collection and analysis.
• In vivo experiment in a confined system.
• Strong skills in statistical software relevant to animal data.
• Ration formulation and diet preparation for experiments.
• Laboratory work on feed nutrient analysis, blood, and feces.
• Skill in gas analysis (methane, Carbon dioxide from animal burping collected from Gree Feed and feces).

Job Posting Close Date: 08/15/2026

Required Attachments:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Application Submission Guidelines:

All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, Higher Ed Jobs , etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site.

The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at  or jobs should you need assistance with the online application process.

Background Check Requirements:

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.