Postdoctoral Associate - Food Science

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purposedriven science and Cornell Universitys second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through worldrenowned research education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving nextgeneration scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the worlds complex interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance here in New York across the nation and around the world.

Position Function

The Tako Lab conducts multidisciplinary research that links between the research fields of Food Science and Nutrition. Overall research focuses on various aspects of (a) dietary trace mineral deficiencies cause and effects with emphases on the physiological and nutritional factors and practices that influence the intestinal absorption of micronutrients specifically iron and zinc. (b) the characterization of the individual and interactive effects of dietary minerals (Fe/Zn) phytochemicals and prebiotics common to staple foods on the intestinal microbiome and BBM functionality. Evaluation of plant origin bioactive compounds extracted from food crops on mineral (Fe Zn) dietary bioavailability and absorption in vivo. In this context we use approaches that utilize both cellular and unique animal (Gallus gallus both hatchling and embryonic) models to assess mineral bioavailability of staple food crops and plant origin bioactive compounds. In general my research is focused at: 1. Alleviating dietary mineral deficiencies in atrisk populations; 2. The development of a novel zinc status physiological blood biomarker (the LA:DGLA ratio); 3. The study of the effects of mineral deficiencies (Zn and Fe) on the intestinal brush border membrane functionality using the Gallus gallus model; 4. The interplay between nutrient intake and gene expression (nutrigenomics) relevant to Fe and Zn deficiency; 5. The interactions between host Fe and Zn status and the gut microbiome; and 6. The characterization of the individual and interactive effects of dietary minerals (Fe/Zn) phytochemicals and prebiotics common to staple foods (chickpea bean wheat lentil) on the intestinal microbiome and BBM functionality. Evaluation of plant origin bioactive compounds extracted from food crops on mineral (Fe Zn) dietary bioavailability and absorption in vivo.

The Postdoctoral Associate will support and supervise the research activity by organizing the lab purchasing keeping necessary laboratory records conforming to safety regulations and performing laboratory techniques under the direction of the principal investigator. Daily activities include but are not limited to record keeping and care of the Gallus gallus model (CU poultry farm) intra amniotic (embryonic) administration tissue and samples collection surgical procedures samples screening and analyses DNA/RNA extraction (tissue and microbial) PCR RTPCR gel electrophoresis Western Blot HPLC and histological procedures such as IHC. The individual will also be responsible for general lab support maintenance and training of students with basic technical tasks as needed.

Having excellent organizational communication and multitasking skills as well as strong ability to attend to details and manual dexterity are essential and required. Working hours can be negotiated based on the individual needs/requests and experimental plans of the lab. Must be flexible and have ability to work occasional weekends.

This is a full time oneyear Postdoctoral Associate position to support research activities under the direction of the principal investigator with possible extension dependent on funding and performance.

The job function of this opening is summarized below:

Responsibilities:

• Discovery and investigation of new bioactive materials

• Conduct experiments in the lab and in connected facilities

• Investigate the new application of bioactive materials in vivo

• Simulation and computational studies of materials for application and structural analysis

• Maintain a laboratory notebook and other technical documentation according to lab guidelines

• Communicate results to the scientific community via published papers

• Collaborate with other team members for the solution of problems of common interest

• Compile the results and present them in group meetings and other forums of interest

• Writing research papers and grant proposals to absorb funding for the lab

Anticipated Division of Time:

• Conducting experiments: 65

• Manuscripts writing/ grants writing/ Research supervision and support/Record Keeping/Reporting: 22.5

• Lab management safety prof development: 12.5

Requirements:

Academic training:

• Hold PhD degree in food science & technology biological sciences molecular biology physiology or related field

• Have two or more years of handson experience in a molecular biology laboratory specifically with experience in care of chicken model (Gallus gallus) intra amniotic administration (embryo) screening DNA/RNA/microbial extraction RTPCR PCR gel electrophoresis Western Blot microbiology microscopy (light/electron) NGS HPLC and histological procedures

• Prior experience (at least 2 years) working with Gallus gallus animal model. Including dietary formulation conduct of longterm feeding trial

• Experience with extensive molecular and NGS techniques

• Individuals with interest in nutrition Bio active compounds animal models nutrigenomics and/or molecular biology research;

• Strong documentation and written and oral communication skills; And ability to work independently selfmotivated and as part of a team.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline/ajo/jobs/26890

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter curriculum vitae contact information for three references and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a standalone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how through research teaching service mentoring extension and/or outreach the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornells historical mission of any person any study via the website.

Applications will be reviewed as received continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring wage for this title $56484.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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