Posting DetailsPosting Information
Posting Number PG194805EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Senior Research Scholar
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience ($82,000 - $88,000)
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location Kannapolis, NC
Department Kannapolis Research Center
Essential Job Duties A Senior Research Scholar position is available in the Lila's Lab at Plants for Human Health Institute (NCSU, Research Campus, Kannapolis) for a highly motivated candidate to investigate the the miRNomes of commonly consumed dairy products in the United States, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, and to evaluate their effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive functions relevant to postmenopausal-associated conditions using an established mouse model of menopause to elucidate the role of dairy microRNAs as novel bioactive components contributing to the health benefits of dairy consumption.
Dr. Lila leads a lab aiming to study food bioactives and their impact on immune system response and fate of bioactives in biological fluids. As part of the Plants for Human Health Institute and North Carolina Research Campus, the Lila Lab interfaces with scientists from all related disciplines, dedicated to improving human health and welfare against communicable and chronic disease.
The candidate must excel in areas of dairy products, molecular biology, particularly miRNAs, bioinformatic analysis of miRNAs for prediction of food miRNAs' health effects, data analysis, and scientific manuscript preparation. The candidate's tasks include, but are not limited to, designing, coordinating, and executing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data on research projects, training and monitoring students and Postdocs, coordinating the lab supplies and supervising the orders, writing project papers and applying for extra funds, presenting at national and international conferences, to find new and productive collaborations.
List of Primary 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
Scholarly Dissemination - Perform bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of the 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.
This position is located in Kannapolis, NC.Other Responsibilities - Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience - Relevant Ph.D. degree with at least 5 years of professional work experience in the area.
Other Required Qualifications - Management of laboratory staff, including assisting in the mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students with the PI.
- The Candidate must excel in areas of dairy products and molecular biology, particularly miRNAs. The candidate must have 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.
Preferred Qualifications - Working knowledge of metabolic pathways and database development and management. This includes knowledge of advanced programming and other computational skills as appropriate for advanced plant genomic studies.
- 5 years of relevant experience in dairy research, particularly miRNAs
- Expertise with RNA-seq, microarray, and bioinformatic analysis of genomic data.
Required License(s) or Certification(s) Valid NC Driver's License required No
Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 08/07/2026
Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00112249
Position Type EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Department ID 110308 - Kannapolis Research
