Senior Research Scholar

Anticipated hiring range: $82,000 - $88,000. Work schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. Location: Kannapolis, NC.

About the Department

The NC State University Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) is located on the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC. The NC Research Campus was created to integrate all aspects of human health and nutrition, complemented by multiple state and private entities providing academic and research resources. PHHI houses researchers and staff from various departments, including Horticulture Science, Food Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, Plant Biology, Cooperative Extension, Genetics, Agriculture and Resource Economics, and NCARS. The PHHI mission is to discover and deliver innovative plant-based solutions to advance human health.

Responsibilities

• Research Leadership and Scientific Excellence
  • Lead and oversee independent and collaborative research projects.
  • Design, develop, and optimize experimental protocols and research methodologies for the grant, and perform the experiments.
  • Analyze, interpret, and integrate complex experimental data using appropriate statistical methods.
  • Investigate the miRNomes of commonly consumed dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) and evaluate their effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive functions relevant to postmenopausal-associated conditions using an established mouse model of menopause.
• Scholarly Dissemination
  • Perform bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of genomic data.
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Present research findings at national and international conferences.
  • Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and other research funding applications.
• Mentorship, Project Management, and Laboratory Operations
  • Supervise, mentor, and train graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
  • Oversee laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, reagent procurement, and implementation of safety procedures.
  • Coordinate research activities, establish project timelines, and ensure project milestones are achieved.
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Requirements

• Relevant Ph.D. degree with at least 5 years of professional work experience in the area.
• Management of laboratory staff, including mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students.
• Expertise in dairy products and molecular biology, particularly miRNAs.
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis of miRNAs for prediction of food miRNAs’ effects, data analysis, and scientific manuscript preparation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to develop manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations. First and last authorship is a good indicator of writing skills.
• Valid NC Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of metabolic pathways and database development and management, including advanced programming and computational skills for plant genomic studies.
• Five years of relevant experience in dairy research, particularly miRNAs.
• Expertise with RNA-seq, microarray, and bioinformatic analysis of genomic data.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Retirement Programs.
• Disability Plans.
• Life Insurance and Accident Plan.
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs (12 holidays each year).
• Tuition and Academic Assistance.
• Childcare benefits.
• Wellness & Recreation Membership and Wellness Programs.

Perks and benefit eligibility is based on part-time or full-time employment status.