Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biophysics, Photonics, and Synthetic Biology at theNational

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biophysics, Photonics, and Synthetic Biology at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Job

Location:

Tallahassee, FL

Employment type:

Temporary (Full‑time)

Postdoctoral Fellows are sought to join the Nanobio Materials and Robotics (NMR) group at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) and the FAMU‑FSU College of Engineering. The individual will work on a series of projects related to microbial locomotion and the development of stimuli‑responsive soft matter.

Applicants interested in Biophysics, Photonics, Synthetic Biology, low Reynolds number physics, and Advanced Microscopy are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include training undergraduate and graduate students in experimental synthetic biology and diagnostic techniques, as well as the development and characterization of living materials and active biocolloids. The position offers a wide range of professional development opportunities through the NHMFL, Florida A&M University (FAMU), and Florida State University (FSU), including participation in exciting government‑funded frontier science and engineering, mentoring experience, and the potential for initiating new independent research.

The ideal applicant will have experience with one or more of the following: biophysical techniques, microbiology, synthetic biology, robotics, advanced image processing, machine learning, and magnetic/laser tweezers. Strong experimental skills are required, along with programming experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW).

• PhD in Biophysics, Photonics, Engineering, or any other relevant discipline.
• Experience with active soft matter, synthetic biology, and/or micro/cell biology.
• Track record of quality publications with excellent writing skills.
• Experience with magnetic tweezers, laser tweezers, and/or acoustic tweezers.
• Experience with nano‑fabrication techniques, such as two‑photon nanolithography.
• Advanced knowledge in spectroscopy, image processing, and optical microscopy.
• Interdisciplinary knowledge and skills bridging engineering to soft‑matter science.
• Team player with outstanding leadership, communication, and presentation skills.

The Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (CBE) has a dynamic group of faculty members actively involved in research encompassing various areas of biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and materials science and engineering. Successful candidates will have many opportunities to interact and collaborate with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University College of Medicine, the new Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Florida State University Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship, Florida State University Departments of Scientific Computing and Chemistry and Biochemistry, as well as the Florida A&M University Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry and Physics.

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately, with start dates as early as May 2025. The position is for an initial period of one year, with a possible extension to a second and third year. Any questions about the position should be directed to Prof. Jamel Ali: jaliu.fsu.edu.

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU – Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Applications should consist of a single PDF file with CV, 1‑page description of research interests, and 2–3 most relevant papers.

This is an OPS/temporary job. Based on the duties, this position may require completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is open until filled.

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.