Post Doctoral Scholar

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Job Title:Post Doctoral Scholar

Department:EHE | Human Sciences Administration

Position Overview

The Health and Nutritional Metabolomics Laboratory at The Ohio State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar for an American Heart Association (AHA)-supported research program focused on developing and applying advanced metabolomics and lipidomics technologies to human clinical trial research.

The postdoctoral scholar will be jointly mentored by Dr. Chris Zhu and Dr. Colleen Spees, providing a unique opportunity to gain expertise in translational metabolomics, nutrition science, and clinical research. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team investigating the metabolic mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic diseases and other chronic health conditions through comprehensive analyses of samples collected from human intervention and clinical studies.

The Zhu Laboratory utilizes targeted and untargeted metabolomics, lipidomics, mass spectrometry, systems biology, and bioinformatics approaches to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The Spees Laboratory has extensive expertise in clinical nutrition, dietary interventions, and patient-centered translational research.

Initial appointment: Two years (with an expected starting date of 4/1/2027)
Renewal: Possible based on funding availability and satisfactory performance
Location: Columbus, Ohio

Additional Information:

Research Opportunities

The successful candidate will participate in cutting-edge research involving:

• Targeted and untargeted metabolomics analyses of human clinical trial samples
• Comprehensive lipidomics profiling for biomarker discovery
• Integration of metabolomics and lipidomics data with clinical, dietary, and physiological outcomes
• Identification of metabolic pathways associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and chronic diseases
• Development and application of advanced LC-MS-based analytical methods
• Multi-omics data integration and systems biology approaches
• Translation of omics discoveries into clinically relevant applications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, or a related discipline
• Strong background in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and/or lipidomics
• Experience with LC-MS analyses and quantitative bioanalytical methods
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with human clinical trial samples
• Experience in targeted and untargeted metabolomics workflows
• Experience in lipidomics analyses and interpretation
• Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical tools, including R, MetaboAnalyst, Python, Cytoscape, or related software
• Experience integrating omics data with clinical or dietary outcomes
• Research experience in cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, obesity, diabetes, nutrition, inflammation, or related fields
• Familiarity with systems biology and biomarker discovery approaches

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF file:

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including:
  • Educational background
  • Complete publication list
  • Names and contact information for at least three professional references
• Research Statement (1–2 pages) describing:
  • Previous and current research experience
  • Research accomplishments and interests
  • Future career goals

Location:Campbell Hall (0018)

Position Type:Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours:40

Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.