Elad Tako

Elad Tako at Cornell University is anticipating recruitment of highly motivated PhD student/s for Fall 2027 through the Cornell Food Science graduate program . The lab’s research sits at the intersection of food science, nutrition, microbiology, and intestinal function/physiology , with a strong focus on how foods and dietary components influence biological function and health outcomes. The work follows the pathway from food or ingredient → microbiome → intestinal function → physiological response . Current and emerging research areas include: food and dietary bioactives and intestinal health; plant-derived ingredients and food byproducts as functional dietary components; gut microbiome structure and function, including microbial metabolites and SCFAs; intestinal barrier integrity, inflammation, and host–microbe interactions; mineral nutrition and biofortification, especially zinc and iron; development and evaluation of novel food and feed ingredients using cell-based and animal models; and translational research linking food composition and processing with biological function. Students with backgrounds or interests in food science, nutrition, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, animal science , or related fields are encouraged to apply. Helpful experience includes laboratory research, molecular techniques, microbiome analysis, animal models, and analytical chemistry. The post emphasizes that scientific curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn are equally important. This is a PhD opportunity at Cornell University in the United States. The post states that the application deadline is December 2, 2026 .