Job Summary
The Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology at the University of Utah, in partnership with the Huntsman Cancer Institute, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the lab of Dr. Mary Playdon. This position is funded by an NIH U01 grant from the National Cancer Institute Metabolic Dysregulation and Cancer Risk (MeDOC) consortium focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying obesity-driven colorectal cancer risk.
The successful candidate will lead epidemiological studies within this multi-institutional consortium project, integrating lipidomics/metabolomics, dietary intake data, and cancer outcomes to identify novel biomarkers and mechanisms linking diet/obesity, metabolism, and cancer risk.
This position is funded for up to 2 years with potential for renewal. The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
For more information about Dr. Playdon's research, visit her faculty profile https://profiles.faculty.utah.edu/u6017378.
Details about the NIH-funded project can be found here:
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/sGeRt3ArxE6X84pwij99nQ/project-details/11063677
https://medoc.bsc.gwu.edu/web/medoc
Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve - which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming - with impact worldwide.
In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute's mission and this position.
Responsibilities
Essential Job Duties:
- Conduct epidemiologic analyses using data from human cohorts.
- Apply lipidomics and other molecular profiling techniques to identify and validate cancer risk biomarkers.
- Investigate metabolic pathways and mechanisms linking diet, obesity, and cancer.
- Collaborate with national and international partners across multiple institutions.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication and present findings at scientific conferences.
- Assist in grant writing and progress reporting to NIH.
- Mentor junior researchers and contribute to lab meetings and collaborative discussions.
- Ensure compliance with IRB protocols and data security standards.
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in Epidemiology, Nutrition, Public Health or related field.
- Experience in population-based research and statistical modeling.
- Strong publication record and scientific writing skills.
- Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, SAS).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
Preferences
- Conduct epidemiologic analyses using data from human cohorts.
- Apply lipidomics and other molecular profiling techniques to identify and validate cancer risk biomarkers.
- Investigate metabolic pathways and mechanisms linking diet, obesity, and cancer.
- Collaborate with national and international partners across multiple institutions.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication and present findings at scientific conferences.
- Assist in grant writing and progress reporting to NIH.
- Mentor junior researchers and contribute to lab meetings and collaborative discussions.
- Ensure compliance with IRB protocols and data security standards.
Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN43250B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 01938 - HCI Mary Playdon Research Prog
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 62232.00
Close Date: 6/30/2026
Open Until Filled: