Postdoc/Research Fellow - NC State Department of Biological Sciences (Job)
Description:
Dr. Jane Hoppin received a new R01 funded from NIEHS which will allow her to continue the GenX Exposure Study cohort for 5 more years (genxstudy.ncsu.edu).
She is looking for a post-doc/research fellow with experience in environmental epidemiology and biostatistical methods for mixtures analysis.
The grant focuses on the metabolic effects of PFAS and leverages our cohort of >1000 people in the Cape Fear River Basin. They have measured PFAS and clinical outcomes (thyroid hormones, lipids, and comprehensive metabolic panel) in all individuals with >800 people having multiple measures.
They also have complete residential history for study participants.
Using these data they aim to:
Aim 1: Assess the impact of multiple PFAS on metabolic outcomes, dyslipidemia and obesity, over time. Using longitudinal measurements of lipids, body composition, and PFAS, we will evaluate how PFAS exposure over time influences changes in lipid concentrations and body composition.
Aim 2: Estimate historic drinking water exposure to low molecular weight PFEAs. Low molecular weight PFEAs have short biological half-lives, so biological samples do not capture historic exposures. To estimate long term PFEA exposure from drinking water, we plan to employ similar methods to those used for disinfection byproducts. We will combine these estimates with lifetime residential history to create lifetime exposure estimates to PFEA for participants whose drinking water was impacted by the chemical plant. These estimates will be used to evaluate PFEA exposures in the health effects models.
Aim 3: Evaluate and develop statistical methods to quantify effects of exposure to PFAS mixtures. Statistical analysis of PFAS health studies is challenging because PFAS are a mixture of many correlated chemicals with potentially synergistic and nonlinear health effects. We will evaluate current methods using extensive theoretical studies and propose new techniques based on deep learning and quantile regression that are well-suited to identify low-dimensional structure in high-dimensional PFAS mixtures to provide a comprehensive understanding of complex health effects.
Aim 4: Share results with impacted communities in a timely and appropriate manner.
They have an existing study team of a study manager, data manager, community engagement specialist as well as a graduate student and post-doc.
How to Apply:
Please reach out to Dr. Jane Hoppin if you are interested in applying or have questions.
Jane Hoppin, ScD
she/her
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Member, Center for Human Health and the Environment
PI, GenX Exposure Study
CB 7633
NC State
Raleigh, NC 27695
919-515-2918 (office)