Post Doctoral Research Associate

The Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies ( CEPHT) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position to join our multidisciplinary research team investigating the role of polyphenols and bioactive ingredients on human health. Our current research spans the gut microbiome, diabetes, lipid dysbiosis, and food allergies, integrating cellular, molecular, and analytical approaches to understand nutrition-health interactions. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on the role of polyphenols and bioactive food ingredients on human health outcomes. This includes designing, executing, and optimizing in vitro cell culture and microbiological experiments relevant to gut microbiome function, diabetes, lipid dysbiosis, and food allergy mechanisms. The incumbent will apply molecular and biochemical techniques to investigate cellular and microbial responses to bioactive compounds. The position requires maintaining detailed experimental records and ensuring reproducibility of results. The employee will interpret findings within the broader context of nutrition, metabolism, and host-microbe interactions.

N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master's programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America's top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor's programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master's degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master's degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as "R2-High Research Activity" in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve "R1-Very High Research Activity" status. It also holds Carnegie's earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities ( APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as "best for business" by the CNBC financial network.

The Center for Excellence in Post- Harvest Technologies fosters interdisciplinary research in post-harvest technologies, including: developing and testing functional foods, isolating and characterizing the health-promoting components in foods, improving processes to extend shelf life and control spoilage and food-borne pathogens, developing new value-added products from agricultural commodities, evaluating and modeling consumer acceptance of food products, developing and testing novel biodegradable and bioactive food packaging, and optimizing parameters for process-engineering. CEPHT provides unique opportunities for experiential education of young scientists in cutting-edge technologies and applied post-harvest research. CEPHT seeks science-based solutions to post-harvest issues facing growers, food processors, distributors and consumers. We provide seminars, short courses, workshops, and educational materials that respond to the needs of growers, and food processing and packing industries. With advanced tools, facilities and personnel, CEPHT is prepared to help producers, processors, distributors and retailers with all aspects of post-harvest processing, including packaging, consumer research, analysis of food components, and development of new food products

* Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field (earned or near completion).

* Demonstrated expertise in cell culture and microbiological techniques.

* Proficiency with PCR, Western blotting, HPLC, LC-MS, flow cytometry, and fluorescent microscopy is essential.

* Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and effective communication skills.

* Experience working with polyphenols, natural bioactives, or host-microbiome systems is highly desirable

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.