THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:  The position is located in the Immunity and Disease Prevention Unit of the Western Human Nutrition Research Center (WHNRC), located on the campus of the University of California, Davis.  The Unit’s overall mission is to study the impact of nutrition on immune function in the context of maintaining optimal immune function and decreasing the risk of immune-mediated inflammatory disease. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting a human intervention trial to determine if vitamin D supplementation decreases inflammation mediated by macrophages and activated T lymphocytes, and improves biomarkers of cardiovascular risk (possibly including blood pressure and insulin responsiveness).  Research will involve recruiting human volunteers, assessing vitamin D status, evaluating immune function, and collecting data on clinical outcomes of interest (such as 24 hr blood pressure monitoring and/or glucose tolerance test).  Some of these responsibilities may be shared with current WHNRC staff.  The scientist will be responsible for disseminating research results at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed scientific publications.  

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Recent Ph.D. in nutrition or related field and experience or knowledge of immunology or inflammatory diseases is required.  A registered dietician (RD) credential, a background in human studies research, and/or training in epidemiology (e.g., and MPH degree) is desirable.

CITIZENSHIP RESTRICTIONS APPLY:  Applicants must clearly indicate in their resume/CV their Country of citizenship.  To be employed as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with ARS, applicants must be a citizen from a country listed on the following link:  http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/jobs/VISA/Countries.htm

INFORMATION ON SALARY AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS is available at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/hrdhomepage/vacancy/pd962.html

INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS is available at: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Charles B. Stephensen, Ph.D.
USDA, ARS, WHNRC, Immunity and Disease Prevention Research Unit
430 West Health Sciences Drive
Davis, CA 95616
Phone: 530-754-9266
Fax: 530752-5271
Email: Charles.Stephensen@ars.usda.gov