Postdoctoral Scholar - Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging

The mission of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (HNRCA) is to promote healthy aging through nutrition science to empower people seeking to enjoy long, active, and independent lives. HNRCA investigators conduct the world's most advanced studies on nutrition and aging. The research focuses on determining the nutrient and physical activity requirements necessary to promote well-being for older adults. HNRCA scientists examine how nutrition and physical activity play a major role in the prevention of the major chronic degenerative conditions and diseases associated with aging.

The HNRCA invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position within the Biology of Aging research group, under the mentorship of Dr. Arpit Sharma. This role focuses on identifying organelle pathways that regulate longevity and healthy aging.

Current projects include:

• Role of Peroxisomes in Healthy Aging: Conducting C. elegans based lifespan assays, multi-omics analysis, pharmacological and dietary interventions, and high-resolution microscopy to access the role of peroxisome and organelle function in longevity and healthy aging.
  
  
• Role of Lipid Metabolism in Aging: Using cell culture and C. elegans based assays to identify how dietary lipids regulate healthy aging and organelle function. The lab aims to use C. elegans as a model to study the effect of dietary lipids on longevity, while using cell-based methods to dissect molecular mechanisms underpinning the regulation.
  
  
• Novel Projects: The HNRCA offers a unique environment where several molecular aspects of healthy aging are being studied. The position is suitable for working with collaborators and developing new hypotheses and collaborative mechanistic directions in healthy aging.
  
  

These projects pose complex and impactful challenges, and as they evolve, this position may offer multiple paths and opportunities for growth and long-term career advancement.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze data and draft manuscripts related to multi-omics datasets, microscopy, and lifespan studies in C. elegans.
• Lead projects that result in first-author publications; contribute to collaborative studies and independent fellowship submissions.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary collaborators from areas such as informatics, biology of aging scientists, and nutrition.
• Participate actively in group meetings and collaborate on larger, multidisciplinary projects.
• Assist with grant writing and progress reporting for research funding.

Basic Requirements:

• A doctoral degree in a field relevant to the position, such as biology/geroscience, molecular biology, nutrition, lipid metabolism, bioinformatics, biochemistry, physiology, or a related discipline.

• Technical Proficiency: A solid foundation in either microscopy or quantitative data analysis and working with multi-omics data sets. Either a strong proficiency in C. elegans work or tissue-culture based work. We are happy to train scientists in C. elegans based techniques if they come with strong tissue-culture expertise.
• Problem-Solving Orientation: Enthusiasm for tackling complex research questions and developing novel methods and workflows as needed. A self-starter mentality.
• Independent and Collaborative Research Skills: Ability to conduct self-directed research as well as work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams. Candidates should be able to identify when to seek expertise from other disciplines and collaborate effectively to resolve challenges.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to produce multiple first-author papers per year. The successful candidate should be comfortable and adept at clear and efficient scientific writing.
• Attention to Detail: High standards of thoroughness in record-keeping and completing work tasks.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams.

Working Conditions: 

• Must be able to multi-task in a fast-moving environment, while working calmly and thoughtfully towards solutions.
• May work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials.