The Role/Te Mahi

Applications are invited for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow to work on a Marsden-funded project under the supervision of Doctors Mei Peng, Michael Garratt, Reece Roberts (Auckland). We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a relevant doctorate, who demonstrates research passion and excellence. The candidate should show potential to develop as an outstanding researcher at the intersection of sensory analysis, behavioural neuropsychology, physiology, and sensory nutrition.

This multidisciplinary project aims to investigate complex interlinks of human metabolism, sensory perception, and eating behaviour, using pregnancy as a natural model. Recent research provides an exciting clue that our neuro-sensory systems play a key role mediating major metabolic shifts. Pregnancy is associated with particularly dramatic metabolic shifts, potentially providing a unique window into how neuro-sensory reprogramming occurs, and its impacts on food-related behaviour.

The successful Postdoctoral Fellow will help to develop a unique longitudinal project that tracks a cohort of women through the course of their pregnancies. With an already-established multidisciplinary team, we will conduct this exciting project using behavioural, physiological, and neuroimaging techniques.

Our Department/Mō te tīma

The Department of Food Science at University of Otago has research strengths in multiple areas including food chemistry and engineering, microbiology, marketing, flavour and sensory analyses. Dr. Peng's Neurosensory Lab has well-established links to the Department of Psychology and Anatomy, to the cross-disciplinary Neuroscience Programme, and to the other centres at the University of Otago, providing a collaborative environment and resources for innovative interdisciplinary research.

The University of Otago is one of New Zealand's largest and most research-intensive universities, currently in the top 1% in the QS World University Rankings. It is a leader across all fields of academic endeavour, regularly topping the New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission's performance indicators. Our campus is ranked as one of the top 15 most beautiful in the world. The University is located in the vibrant southern city of Dunedin, which is a gateway to the beautiful Otago region of New Zealand.

Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako:

• A PhD in an appropriate field such as Psychology or Public Health or Nutrition.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting experiments with human participants.
• Excellent people and communication skills.
• Demonstrated capabilities in initiating and maintaining long-term relationships with participants and stakeholders.
• Expertise in psychology, or neurobiology, or nutritional science.
• A track record of first-authored papers in international peer-reviewed journals.
• The ability to work both independently and collegially as part of a team.
• Willingness to train and co-supervise postgraduate students or interns.

Further details/Pūroko

This is a 2.5 year fixed-term, full-time position. The position is available from early March 2022 with a negotiable start date.

Application/Tono

Candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, a CV, and the names and contact details of three referees (to be included in the cover letter).

Applications quoting reference number 2102294 will close on Friday, 10 December 2021.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To see a full job description and to apply online go to: https://otago.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=2102294

Equal opportunity in employment is University policy.

E tautoko ana Te Whare Wananga o Otago i te kaupapa whakaorite whiwhinga mahi.