Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Program in International and Community Nutrition, University of California, Davis

Summary
With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a research consortium led by Newcastle University (UK) will implement a set of studies to assess whether coverage of multiple vitamin A programs is associated with excessive vitamin A intake and status among young children. The UC Davis-led arm of this project will be implemented in urban areas near Manila, the Philippines, in collaboration with Helen Keller International and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute. The study will include measurement of vitamin A status and breast milk intake (using stable isotope dilution methods) and dietary intake from complementary foods among 150 children 12-18 months of age. We are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to manage data collection activities and monitor quality of implementation of study activities at the project site. The incumbent will be expected to supervise data collection at the project site for the duration of data collection (approximately May – December 2016) and relocate to Davis, California to assist with laboratory and data analyses thereafter.

Major responsibilities
The postdoctoral scholar position will be responsible for managing the biochemical and dietary assessments. Biochemical assessments will include measurement of breast milk intake and total body vitamin A stores using stable isotope dilution methods. Dietary assessments will include weighed observations, 24h dietary recalls, and an instrument to capture frequency of food and supplement intake. Major responsibilities will include revision and adaptation of data collection instruments and protocols, and daily supervision of recruitment activities and data collection by medical technicians and dietary interviewers. The postdoctoral scholar will also conduct regular data quality monitoring, supervise data entry and cleaning, and contribute to data analysis and reporting.

Qualifications
Candidates must have a doctorate in human nutrition, epidemiology, or a related discipline by May, 2016. Previous laboratory experience is a required qualification, as well as experience collecting and analyzing dietary intake data, including experience with database management software (e.g., Access) and statistical analysis software (e.g., STATA or SAS). Experience conducting nutrition or public health research in a low-income country is also required. The candidate must be willing to remain at the field site for the duration of planning and data collection (approx. 7-8 months) and to relocate to Davis, CA, thereafter for laboratory and data analyses. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Information about the Program in International and Community Nutrition is available at http://picn.ucdavis.edu/. Interested candidates should send a CV and the names and contact information for at least two references to Dr. Reina Engle-Stone (renglestone@ucdavis.edu).