Summary The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency and one of the world's premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture. This position is located at Children's Nutrition Research Center, Houston, TX **ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR August 8, 2025** Responsibilities Oversees the project's daily operations, which encompasses spearheading analytical tasks, organizing and leading meetings, and disseminating findings Ensures that analytic meetings are scheduled, and materials distributed ahead of time; organizes storage of data. Handles transfer of data to other investigators in a HIPAA-compliant manner Acts as a liaison between project investigators and staff. Assures accurate and complete data analysis Trains staff on study protocols and analytic methods Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Position requires a PhD with relevant experience in data science, deep learning or a related field, complemented by substantial experience in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning methodologies (AI/ML) (e.g., expertise in principles and practices of AI/ML, data mining, advanced learning algorithms for model development, feature engineering, and classification techniques); human nutrition; or related field with an understanding of human behavior, dietary and physical activity patterns, and the assessment of variables that influence behavior and behavior change with relevant expertise in data science and deep learning. Experience in conducting nutritional behavioral studies, particularly analyzing data using machine learning approaches in field locations is required. Publications reporting the results of data analyzed using various analytical techniques is a plus. Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Dietetics and Nutrition Series, 0630 Individual Occupational Requirements Applicants must meet one of the following requirements for all grade levels: Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in the fields of dietetics, food, nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related science. The educational program must have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics(external link) (ACEND), or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. For dietitian positions, the curriculum must have been in accordance with the qualifying requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)(external link) (formerly American Dietetic Association(external link) (ADA) prior to January 1, 2012) in effect at the time of graduation. Completion of a coordinated undergraduate program, internship, or other clinical component approved by AND (formerly ADA) for dietitians or nutritionists. Professional registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Education This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned. A Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last four years. Additional Information Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.