Postbaccalaureate Fellow

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area

Scientific focus area

Biomedical Engineering and Biophysics

The Biophysics Core Facility (BCF) at NHLBI, NIH is seeking an NIH IRTA Postbaccalaureate Fellow to gain supervised, hands-on experience with advanced biophysical instrumentation, experimental methods, data analysis, scientific communication, and collaboration.

Postbaccalaureate Research Opportunity at the NIH

The Biophysics Core Facility (BCF) at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), is recruiting a full-time NIH IRTA Postbaccalaureate Fellow to begin before December 1, 2026. A two-year commitment is strongly preferred. Continuation into the second year will be based on satisfactory performance, mutual agreement.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate who is interested in biophysics and advanced scientific instrumentation. The fellow will receive hands‑on training in a broad range of biophysical technologies and will participate in projects supporting multiple NIH research groups. Unlike a traditional research position focused on a single project, this fellowship will provide exposure to many different scientific questions, samples, instruments, and collaborators.

The experience will help the fellow develop broad knowledge of biophysical instrumentation and practical skills in operating and applying a wide range of advanced technologies, as well as data‑analysis, communication, and collaboration skills that are valuable for future careers in both the pharmaceutical industry and academic science.

About the Biophysics Core Facility

The BCF supports NIH investigators in studying the interactions, stability, structure, dynamics, and physical properties of biomolecules and nanoparticles. The facility provides scientific consultation, experimental support, instrument access, and user training. The fellow will have the opportunity to learn and gain practical experience with technologies including:
Mass photometry Grating-coupled interferometry Bio-layer interferometry Microfluidic diffusional sizing Microscale thermophoresis Dynamic light scattering Nanoparticle tracking analysis Isothermal titration calorimetry Differential scanning calorimetry Circular dichroism Fluorescence spectroscopy Size-exclusion chromatography/field-flow fractionation coupled with multi-angle light scattering Analytical ultracentrifugation Differential scanning fluorimetry Single-cell interaction cytometry

Training and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of BCF staff, the fellow will:

• Learn to operate a variety of biophysical instruments.
• Assist with preparing biological samples, buffers, and standards.
• Participate in experiments, assist with instrument setup, routine measurements, and basic troubleshooting.
• Process, analyze, and present experimental data.
• Interact with researchers and assist with collaborative projects
• Participate in instrument demonstrations and user support.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and organize experimental data.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory.
• Assist with routine laboratory tasks, including supply organization, solution preparation, and inventory.
• Present work at laboratory meetings and, when appropriate, prepare posters for scientific meetings.

• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the Biophysics Core Facility and your future educational or career goals
• Have completed, or expect to complete by the start date, a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field in 2026.
• Be able to commit to a full-time fellowship for approximately two years.
• Have a strong interest in biophysics and scientific instrumentation, as well as some hands‑on experience with biophysical experiments and/or one or more of the technologies available in the Biophysics Core Facility.
• Have basic laboratory experience, such as pipetting, sample and buffer preparation.
• Be enthusiastic to learn new techniques and work with different scientific teams.
• Be responsible, dependable, organized, and attentive to detail.
• Be able to follow protocols carefully and maintain accurate records.
• Have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to work well both independently and as part of a collaborative team.