Job Description

Overview:

The Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences at Utah State University is seeking a Postdoctoral research fellow. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting both applied and molecular research related to skeletal muscle growth and nutrition within the Thornton-Kurth lab at Utah State University.

The estimated start date is January 1, 2026.
Responsibilities:

This individual will have a specific USDA-funded research project assigned to them. In this project they will be responsible for:Analyzing rumen microbial populations, transcriptome within skeletal muscle and liver, proteome within skeletal muscle and liver, and metabolomics within skeletal muscle, liver and blood. The successful candidate will need to be proficient in analyzing and assimilating large data sets. In addition, they will also be responsible for helping with other research activities in the lab, mentoring graduate students and undergraduate researchers, and also helping with intermittent teaching responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualification:

An earned PhD in Animal Nutrition, Growth Biology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualification:

Experience in livestock feeding trials, teaching experience, and the ability to effectively mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Required Documents:

Along with the online application, please attach:
1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
2. Cover Letter stating intent to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
3. Copy of earned PhD to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits ADA:

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
University Highlights:

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah's counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.updated 09/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination:

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
matthew.pinner@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator
cody.carmichael@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov* updated 10/2025