Postdoctoral Research Scholar - PHHI

About the role

The Postdoctoral Scholar will assist Dr. Andrew Neilson in the Plants for Human Health Institute by leading and conducting independent research, along with some general laboratory management and mentoring of graduate students.

Responsibilities

• 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.
  • Utilizing phytochemicals to modulate production of gut microbiome-derived uremic toxins such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), phenylacetic acid, phenylacetylglutamine, and imidazole propionate.
  • Understanding individual genetic differences predict phytochemical bioavailability, metabolism, and efficacy for disease prevention, among others.
• Major research tools: 1) anaerobic fecal fermentations, 2) rodent models of nutrition/disease (including models of genetic variety), 3) mammalian and/or bacterial cell culture, and 4) instrumental analysis (particularly LC-MS/MS).
• 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 of manuscripts, reports, and grant proposals.
• General lab and instrument maintenance and management as well as other duties as assigned.
• Identifying important research questions, formulating hypotheses, and designing experiments (including adoption of new techniques) to test those hypotheses.
• Supporting peers, collaborative partners, and students, providing good communication skills, and working within an interdisciplinary setting.
• Developing and submitting postdoctoral fellowship applications and other grant applications to sponsors such as USDA, NIH, etc.
• Routinely publishing research in relevant peer-reviewed academic journals.

Qualifications

• 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 written and oral English communication skills.
• Knowledge of advanced microbiological, molecular, and/or analytical chemistry techniques as appropriate for plant-derived phytochemicals.
• Ability to lead complex research projects, train and supervise graduate students and visiting scholars.
• Ability to acquire, process, interpret data, develop and maintain datasets, and use basic statistical and other software packages.

Skills

• Ability to lead complex research projects, train and supervise graduate students and visiting scholars.
• Ability to acquire, process, interpret data, develop and maintain datasets, and use basic statistical and other software packages.

Benefits

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, LEAD courses, free attendance at non-revenue generating sporting events, childcare benefits, wellness & recreation membership, and wellness programs.

Pay

$58,000-$60,000

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.