The Van Vliet Lab at the Center for Human Nutrition Studies at Utah State University seeks a Postdoctoral Associate for research investigating the effects of agro-ecology and regenerative agriculture on food nutritional composition and human health. The ideal candidate will have experience in agricultural, food science, and/or human nutrition research, and have strong wet lab skills. The position will require self-direction and the ability to manage large data sets and to work effectively with undergraduate, graduate, and other team members in the lab. Candidates must have obtained their PhD in a related field prior to the start date.

The initial appointment will be for two years, with potential for additional years pending positive performance and funding.

• Collaborating on the development of research protocols
• Preparation of samples for mass-spectrometry analysis
• Data analysis and management
• Manuscript and grant preparation
• IRB submissions
• Supervision of graduate students and research assistants

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Phd in Food Science, Human Nutrition, Chemistry, Biology, Plant/Animal Science and/or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications/skills:

• Ample wet-lab experience
• Experience in mass-spectrometry
• Experience in coding (R, Python, or related programming).

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
3. Research Statement to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
4. Three professional references with contact information

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

The Center for Human Nutrition Studies (https://caas.usu.edu/facilities/human-nutrition-studies) at Utah State University provides the organizational structure and logistic support for research scientists with interests in nutrition science. With its outstanding clinical facility, research kitchen, and supporting laboratory space, the CHNS is designed to serve as a resource to Utah State University researchers for gaining experience in conducting clinical studies and assisting in efforts to secure extramural research funding and industry contracts and partnerships. The Center for Human Nutrition Studies' dedicated space includes:

• State-of-the-art research metabolic kitchen
• Clinical space to conduct phlebotomy and study procedures.

Laboratory space for sample processing, specialty assays, and mass spectrometery

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

* updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov