Summary
Tufts University is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the Biology of Aging research group at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) in Boston, Massachusetts. The position, under the mentorship of Dr. Arpit Sharma, focuses on understanding organelle pathways, lipid metabolism, and molecular mechanisms that regulate longevity and healthy aging.
Postdoctoral Scholar – Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
The successful candidate will work on innovative research involving C. elegans, cell culture, microscopy, multi-omics, lifespan assays, nutrition, and lipid metabolism, while collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers in biology, informatics, and nutrition.
Summary Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Tufts University |
| Research Center | Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) |
| Position | Postdoctoral Scholar |
| Research Group | Biology of Aging |
| Mentor | Dr. Arpit Sharma |
| Job ID | 23501 |
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid |
| Job Category | Research |
| Research Focus | Healthy aging, longevity, organelle biology, lipid metabolism, nutrition, multi-omics |
| Minimum Qualification | Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline |
| Salary | $67,500 per year |
| Application Deadline | Not specified in the provided advertisement |
Designation
Postdoctoral Scholar – Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
Research Area
The position covers several interconnected areas of aging and nutrition research, including:
- Biology of aging and geroscience
- Healthy aging and longevity
- Organelle biology and function
- Peroxisome biology
- Lipid metabolism
- Nutritional regulation of aging
- C. elegans lifespan and aging studies
- Cell and tissue culture
- Multi-omics analysis
- Quantitative data analysis
- High-resolution microscopy
- Molecular mechanisms of longevity
- Nutrition and age-associated diseases
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Work arrangement: Hybrid
The position is based at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA), Tufts University.
Eligibility / Qualification
Basic Requirements
Candidates must have:
- A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant field such as:
- Biology
- Geroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Nutrition
- Lipid Metabolism
- Bioinformatics
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Or another closely related discipline
Technical Skills
Applicants should have a strong foundation in at least one of the following:
- Microscopy
- Quantitative data analysis
- Multi-omics datasets
- C. elegans research
- Tissue/cell-culture techniques
Strong expertise in C. elegans is advantageous, but candidates with strong tissue-culture experience may be trained in C. elegans-based techniques.
Additional Requirements
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong problem-solving abilities and enthusiasm for complex research questions
- A self-starter and independent research mentality
- Ability to conduct self-directed research
- Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams
- Strong written and verbal scientific communication skills
- Ability to produce high-quality manuscripts and multiple first-author publications
- Excellent attention to detail and research record-keeping skills
Preferred Qualification
- Previous experience working in interdisciplinary research teams
Job Description
The Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct research within the Biology of Aging group and contribute to projects investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying healthy aging and longevity.
Major Research Projects
1. Role of Peroxisomes in Healthy Aging
The researcher will investigate the role of peroxisomes and other organelles in longevity using:
- C. elegans lifespan assays
- Multi-omics approaches
- Pharmacological interventions
- Dietary interventions
- High-resolution microscopy
- Organelle-function studies
2. Role of Lipid Metabolism in Aging
Research will examine how dietary lipids influence healthy aging and organelle function using:
- Cell-culture experiments
- C. elegans-based assays
- Molecular and mechanistic studies
- Dietary lipid interventions
- Longevity analysis
3. Novel Healthy Aging Projects
The HNRCA provides opportunities to develop new hypotheses and collaborative research directions involving different molecular aspects of healthy aging.
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will:
- Analyze multi-omics, microscopy, and C. elegans lifespan datasets.
- Draft and publish scientific manuscripts.
- Lead projects resulting in first-author publications.
- Contribute to collaborative research projects.
- Develop and pursue independent research directions.
- Prepare independent fellowship applications.
- Work with interdisciplinary collaborators in informatics, biology of aging, and nutrition.
- Participate actively in laboratory and group meetings.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary research initiatives.
- Assist with grant writing and research-funding progress reports.
- Maintain accurate and thorough research records.
Working Conditions
The position requires the ability to:
- Manage multiple research activities in a fast-moving environment.
- Work calmly and thoughtfully to solve research problems.
- Handle potentially hazardous chemicals and materials where required.
- Collaborate effectively with researchers from different disciplines.
Salary
The advertised salary is:
$67,500 per year
- Minimum: $67,500
- Midpoint: $67,500
- Maximum: $67,500
Salary is based on relevant experience, expertise, and internal equity. New hires generally can expect compensation between the minimum and midpoint of the advertised range.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official Tufts University careers portal.
Application Portal: Apply for Postdoctoral Scholar – Job ID 23501
Applicants should review the official vacancy details and complete the online application as instructed.
Candidates should note that employees appointed to this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.
Last Date for Apply
Until position filled
Applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible through the official Tufts University recruitment portal rather than waiting for a stated closing date.
About the Research Center
The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University focuses on advancing nutrition and aging research to promote healthy, active, and independent lives. Its researchers investigate nutritional and physical-activity requirements and the role of nutrition in preventing chronic degenerative conditions associated with aging.
Equal Opportunity: Tufts University is an equal opportunity employer.
