Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Post Doctoral Associate Department Food Science Salary Details Salary Minimum - $63,968. Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. Benefits Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Posting Summary Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Post Doctoral Associate for the Department of Food Science within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The successful candidate for this position will lead research projects to develop, validate, improve, and apply analytical methods for the identification and quantification of metabolites relevant to chronic diseases using advanced mass spectrometry-based techniques under supervision. These metabolites include but are not limited to oxidized lipid derivatives. The candidate will also perform statistical analyses to provide further insight into the biological roles of these metabolites. In addition, the candidate may explore the biological functions of these metabolites using preclinical models and clinical cohort data. The successful candidate also will mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students, contribute to grant proposals, and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. This is a partially-grant funded position, continuation of employment in this position is contingent upon adequate grant funds. Key Duties and Responsibilities: - Developing, validating, improving, and applying qualitative and quantitative analytical methods using UPLC-MS/MS.
- Developing, organizing, and maintaining a collection of analytical standards and relevant methods.
- Extracting, purifying, and analyzing diverse metabolites, including but not limited to oxidized lipid derivatives, using UPLC-MS/MS, with other instruments such as GC-MS used as needed for specific applications.
- Performing statistical analyses to understand the roles of these metabolites in the context of chronic disease and precision health.
- Other scholarly activities, such as assistance in training graduate/undergraduate students, assistance in grant writing, scientific discussion, and assistance in overseeing lab safety and lab supplies.
Position Status Full Time Posting Number 26FA0313 Posting Open Date 04/03/2026 Posting Close Date 06/05/2026 Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Nutritional Science, or a related discipline; demonstrated expertise in the operation and maintenance of tandem mass spectrometry platforms, preferably UPLC-MS/MS, evidenced by relevant publications and presentations; and strong research, organizational and communication skills. Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong analytical and other computer skills. Preferred Qualifications Prior experience in at least one of the following areas is highly desirable: (a) strong understanding of metabolism, such as the roles of lipid oxidation in the development and progression of chronic diseases; (b) strong statistical analysis skills, including but not limited to usage of bioinformatics tools or pipelines; and experience working with human clinical data and/or preclinical models relevant to chronic diseases. Equipment Utilized Tandem mass spectrometry platforms, chemical extraction apparatus, centrifuges, sample homogenizers, pipettes, fume hood, and other relevant equipment. Physical Demands and Work Environment The candidate should be able to lift up to 5 kg and routinely perform laboratory tasks involving pipetting and handling of human and rodent biospecimens; the candidate should be able to work next to a fume hood for chemical extraction and/or next to analytical instruments and computers to acquire and/or analyze data. Overview The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the undergraduate schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agricultural business and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state. Statement Posting Details Special Instructions to Applicants Please submit Cover Letter, CV, and names of 3 professional references. References will not be contacted unless candidate reaches finalist stage. Quick Link to Posting Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Cook (RU-New Brunswick) City New Brunswick State NJ Location Details 65 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address:
