Summary

Research projects in the Dzakovich Lab at the CNRC are focused on defining how genetic and environmental factors affect the chemical composition of fruits and vegetables, the bioavailability of these molecules, and how these changes alter the efficacy by which they may benefit human health. Postdoctoral Associates are trainees working in an apprenticeship mode in preparation for a career as a scientific professional. Postdoc trainees are encouraged to engage in opportunities to advance their professional skills and scientific expertise, publish and present their findings, and develop their own independent line of research. The ideal candidate works effectively on a diverse, multidisciplinary team and has a zest for organization and accomplishing goals. Job tasks include optimizing intrinsic labeling systems (13CO2, 2H, 57Fe, etc.); developing high-throughput extraction, sample clean-up, and analysis methods for various plant foods and crops; analyzing food and crop samples using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry; statistically analyzing data and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications; and contributing to a well-functioning interdisciplinary translational nutrition research lab under established procedures to assure personal and lab safety. Trainees participate in the established CNRC Postdoctoral Training Program which involves forming a mentoring committee, monthly journal club, semi-annual research presentations, and weekly seminar series.

Job Duties

• Constructs and validates intrinsic labeling systems for a variety of food crops.
• Plans, directs, and executes advanced analytical chemistry studies involving plant-based foods and crops.
• Establishes new research protocols and procedures.
• Summarizes research findings and publish results in research journals.
• Maintains responsible for laboratory operations.
• Supervises research staff and student lab members.
• Grows and maintains crops in greenhouse and/or growth chambers settings.
• Participates in the Children’s Nutrition Research Center’s Postdoctoral Training Program ( https://www.bcm.edu/research/research-centers/usda-ars-childrens-nutrition-research-center/education/postdoctoral-fellowship-in-childrens-nutrition) .
• Attends academic seminars and professional development activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hydroponics and working in growth chamber and/or greenhouse settings.
• Familiarity with extracting and analyzing plant-derived chemicals with mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team.
• Clear record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with experimental design and statistical data analysis.
• Experience programming/coding.
• Comfortable using tools to build, maintain, or repair equipment.
• A background in plant sciences, biochemistry, nutritional sciences, or a related field (including biological or agricultural engineering)