USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Nutritional Sciences

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2021-0041
How to Apply

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A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Application Deadline
3/2/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area- Grand Forks Human Nutrition Center located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Our unit's mission is to serve the public through conducting basic and applied research emphasizing the roles of foods and physical activity in maintaining healthy body weight and preventing co-morbidities of obesity.

Research Project: The research project the selected participant will be involved in includes animal study of epigenetic alterations underlying maternal dietary environment and intervention to reduced adverse maternal influence. 

Appointment activities will include:

  1. Conception of independent research and multidisciplinary team-based research (basic, clinical and/or translational) and analysis of experimental data.
  2. Prepare written products based on research to be published in professional articles, publications, and technical abstracts.
  3. Submit manuscripts for publication of experimental results in peer-reviewed journals and presents information at scientific meetings and at other research institutions.
  4. Conduct research using animal models.

Learning ObjectivesThe participant will gain experience and knowledge in nutritional epigenetics, pathway analysis, and next generation sequencing techniques. Learning objectives include:

  • Determine how maternal and paternal diet influence fetal growth and development
  • Determine epigenetic alterations underlying maternal and paternal environmental conditions
  • Gain the knowledge and hands-on experience in research on diet, nutrition, metabolism, and their interactions in disease prevention and health promotion
  • To build the participant to be an independent investigator in the field of life, health, and medical sciences emphasizing on nutrition and disease prevention to promote health and wellbeing in humans

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Kate Larson (kate.larson@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2021.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USDA-ARS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills:

  • Knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology in the context of nutrition
  • Working knowledge of metabolism and animal physiology
  • Ability to plan and implement biomedical experiments, which includes the ethical and legal considerations pertaining to animal experimentation
  • Knowledge of statistics and the ability to use a computer and appropriate statistical software
  • Ability to interpret, evaluate, and present research in reports and publications
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (46 )