PhD Position

The Food Science & Human Nutrition Department at Michigan State University is inviting applications from motivated and passionate students for a fully funded PhD position beginning in Fall 2026, with a possible start in Winter 2027. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in conducting impactful research that addresses real-world challenges in food and nutrition security, public health, and health equity.

The selected PhD student will work closely with a faculty mentor who is a Registered Dietitian and researcher focusing on improving community health outcomes through applied research. This position offers comprehensive mentorship, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to meaningful research that supports vulnerable populations.

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Overview of PhD Position

• Fully funded PhD position in Food Science & Human Nutrition
• Start date: Fall 2026 (Winter 2027 possible)
• Location: Michigan State University, USA
• Research focus on food security, nutrition, and health equity
• Strong mentorship and career development support
• Opportunities for research publications and grant writing
• Collaborative and supportive academic environment
• Open to students from nutrition, public health, and social science backgrounds

Research Focus Areas

This PhD position centers on research aimed at understanding and improving food and nutrition security and promoting equitable health outcomes across diverse communities.

Key research areas include:

Food and Nutrition Security:
Research will explore access to healthy food, barriers to food availability, and strategies to improve nutrition outcomes in households and communities.

Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health:
The student will examine structural and social factors that influence health disparities, particularly in rural and underserved populations.

Household Foodwork and Family Well-Being:
Research will focus on how families manage food resources and how social and economic conditions affect dietary behaviors and chronic disease prevention.

Community-Engaged Research:
The PhD student will participate in community-based research that involves collaboration with communities to design and implement interventions.

Applied Intervention Research:
The position includes developing and evaluating programs that promote nutrition security and improve public health outcomes.

Mentorship and Professional Development

This PhD opportunity provides exceptional mentorship and training designed to support both academic and professional growth. As part of the research team, the selected student will receive:

• Direct and hands-on mentorship from faculty
• Training in grant writing and research proposal development
• Opportunities to publish research in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience presenting research at conferences
• Skill development in mixed research methods
• Guidance for academic and professional career advancement

The faculty mentor is committed to maintaining a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative research environment that encourages innovation, balance, and professional success.

Eligibility Criteria of PhD Position

Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, motivation, and a strong interest in community-based nutrition and public health research.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Background in Nutrition, Public Health, Social Sciences, or related fields
• Strong interest in food security and health equity research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Interest in community-engaged and applied research
• Strong communication and research skills

Registered Dietitian (RD) training is preferred but not required.

Students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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Funding and Benefits for PhD Position

This PhD position is fully funded, ensuring financial support throughout the duration of the doctoral program.

Benefits include:

• Full financial support
• Research mentorship and supervision
• Professional development opportunities
• Publication and authorship opportunities
• Research training and career preparation
• Supportive academic and research environment

Why Choose Michigan State University?

Michigan State University is one of the leading research universities in the United States, known for its excellence in food science, nutrition, and public health research. The university provides world-class research facilities, collaborative academic programs, and strong global research networks.

Students benefit from:

• High-quality academic programs
• Access to advanced research facilities
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong academic and professional reputation

Application Procedure for PhD Position

Interested applicants should contact the faculty mentor directly via email.

Required Documents:

Applicants must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Brief statement of research interests

How to Apply:

Send your CV and statement of interest to the following email address:

📧 garrityk@msu.edu

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Applicants should clearly describe:

• Their academic background
• Research interests
• Career goals
• Motivation for pursuing this PhD

Early contact is encouraged to discuss research alignment and opportunities.

Summary of PhD Position

Category	Details
University	Michigan State University
Department	Food Science & Human Nutrition
Degree Level	PhD
Funding	Fully Funded
Start Date	Fall 2026 (Winter 2027 possible)
Research Areas	Food Security, Nutrition, Health Equity
Eligibility	Nutrition, Public Health, Social Sciences
Application Method	Email CV and research statement