New

Senior Research Scholar

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience ($82,000 - $88,000)

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Kannapolis

600 Laureate Way (Show on map)

Aug 08, 2026

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194805EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Senior Research Scholar
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience ($82,000 - $88,000)
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location	Kannapolis, NC
Department	Kannapolis Research Center
About the Department	The NC State University Plants for Human health Institute ( PHHI) is located on the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC. At The NC Research Campus was created to have all aspects of human health and nutrition in one place complimented by multiple state and private entities providing the academic and research resources. The PHHI currently houses researchers and staff from various departments including Horticulture Science, Food Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, Plant Biology, Cooperative Extension, Genetics, Agriculture and Resource Economics, and NCARS. The PHHI mission is to discover and deliver innovative plant-based solutions to advance human health.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	A Senior Research Scholar position is available in the Lila's Lab at Plants for Human Health Institute ( NCSU, Research Campus, Kannapolis) for a highly motivated candidate to investigate the the miRNomes of commonly consumed dairy products in the United States, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, and to evaluate their effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive functions relevant to postmenopausal-associated conditions using an established mouse model of menopause to elucidate the role of dairy microRNAs as novel bioactive components contributing to the health benefits of dairy consumption. Dr. Lila leads a lab aiming to study food bioactives and their impact on immune system response and fate of bioactives in biological fluids. As part of the Plants for Human Health Institute and North Carolina Research Campus, the Lila Lab interfaces with scientists from all related disciplines, dedicated to improving human health and welfare against communicable and chronic disease. The candidate must excel in areas of dairy products, molecular biology, particularly miRNAs, bioinformatic analysis of miRNAs for prediction of food miRNAs' health effects, data analysis, and scientific manuscript preparation. The candidate's tasks include, but are not limited to, designing, coordinating, and executing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data on research projects, training and monitoring students and Postdocs, coordinating the lab supplies and supervising the orders, writing project papers and applying for extra funds, presenting at national and international conferences, to find new and productive collaborations. List of Primary Responsibilities: Research Leadership and Scientific Excellence Lead and oversee independent and collaborative research projects Design, develop, and optimize experimental protocols and research methodologies for the grant, and perform the experiments Analyze, interpret, and integrate complex experimental data using appropriate statistical methods Scholarly Dissemination Perform bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of the genomic data Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals Present research findings at national and international conferences. Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and other research funding applications Mentorship, Project Management, and Laboratory Operations Supervise, mentor, and train graduate students and postdoctoral fellows Oversee laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, reagent procurement, and implementation of safety procedures. Coordinate research activities, establish project timelines, and ensure project milestones are achieved. This position is located in Kannapolis, NC.
Other Responsibilities	Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Relevant Ph.D. degree with at least 5 years of professional work experience in the area.
Other Required Qualifications	Management of laboratory staff, including assisting in the mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students with the PI. The Candidate must excel in areas of dairy products and molecular biology, particularly miRNAs. The candidate must have experience in bioinformatic analysis of miRNAs for prediction of food miRNAs' effects, data analysis, and scientific manuscript preparation. Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to develop manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations. First and last authorship is a good indicator of writing skills.
Preferred Qualifications	Working knowledge of metabolic pathways and database development and management. This includes knowledge of advanced programming and other computational skills as appropriate for advanced plant genomic studies. 5 years of relevant experience in dairy research, particularly miRNAs Expertise with RNA-seq, microarray, and bioinformatic analysis of genomic data.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	08/07/2026
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00112249
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Department ID	110308 - Kannapolis Research
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.