Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Michigan State University College of Nursing is seeking a full-time, fixed term, Postdoctoral Scholar for a two-year, end-dated position to support the NCCIH-funded Food-Body-Mind clinical trial. This mindfulness-based lifestyle intervention study focuses on promoting whole child health among young children and families through mindful eating, mindful movement, mindful parenting, and family engagement strategies.

The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Jiying Ling, and her interdisciplinary team. The primary goals of the position are to contribute to dissemination of trial findings, strengthen research and grant-writing skills, support manuscript preparation, assist with data analysis and interpretation, and help with study implementation and data collection as needed.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and contribute to manuscripts using data from the Food-Body-Mind clinical trial and related studies.
• Prepare abstracts, posters, oral presentations, and other dissemination products for scientific conferences and community partners.
• Assist with data analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of tables and figures for publications.
• Participate in regular study team meetings and contribute to discussions related to study progress, data quality, interpretation, and dissemination.
• Support grant proposal development, including literature reviews, significance and innovation sections, methods, biosketches, and other application materials.
• Receive training and mentorship in clinical trial research, community-engaged intervention research, NIH grant writing, and academic career development.
• Assist with data collection and process evaluation activities when needed.

The postdoctoral scholar will receive structured mentorship from Dr. Jiying Ling and the interdisciplinary study team. Mentorship will focus on manuscript development, clinical trial methods, data analysis, grant writing, community-engaged research, and preparation for an independent research career. The postdoctoral scholar will be encouraged to develop a focused program of research and pursue external funding opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Terminal -Nursing, public health, nutrition, psychology, human development, kinesiology, social work, education, or a related field.

Minimum Requirements

In addition to a PhD, DrPH or equivalent doctoral degree, the selected candidate will have:

• Strong interest in child health, family health, health promotion, mindfulness-based interventions, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, or community-engaged research.
• Excellent writing skills and interest in publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary research team.
• Experience with quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research.

Desired Qualifications

• Clinical trial or behavioral intervention research.
• Early childhood, childcare, Head Start, or family-based research.
• Data analysis using statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, R, Stata, or Mplus.
• Manuscript preparation and peer-reviewed publication.
• NIH or foundation grant writing.
• Community-engaged or implementation research.
• Measurement of dietary intake, physical activity, body composition, or psychosocial outcomes.

Required Application Materials

Curriculum vitae (CV), cover letter and list of three (3) professional references knowledgeable of your work.

Special Instructions

Applications will begin to be reviewed and will continue until the position has been filled.

Summary of Physical Demands

This position may require lifting 50 pounds or more with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 25 pounds or more.

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

www.nursing.msu.edu

Department Statement

The College of Nursing is committed to the land grant philosophy and our relationship with the community. We are busy working to achieve our strategic priorities in the areas of:

• Teaching
• Research
• Practice
• Community Outreach

Across off of these priority areas we seek to increase appreciation for diversity and incorporate the value of inclusion into our College.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.