Postdoctoral Fellow II

The Fungal Biotechnology & Engineering (FBE) Lab in the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Utah State University (USU) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research program investigating electrical activity in fungal networks.

This project brings together fungal biology, physiology, microscopy, electrophysiology, and engineering to develop innovative experimental approaches for studying fungal systems. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to an emerging area of research while working within a highly collaborative and supportive environment.

The position is fully funded and includes a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative research team led by Dr. Erika J. Espinosa-Ortiz and work closely with Dr. Jixun Zhan, Dr. Lukas Buecherl, and Dr. Venkatraman Siddharthan at Utah State University. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning fungal biology, engineering, and advanced imaging technologies.

Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of experimental approaches for studying electrical activity in fungal networks, including:

• Molecular and genetic manipulation of fungal systems.
• Live-cell imaging and microscopy-based measurements.
• Physiological characterization and experimental validation.
• Development and optimization of laboratory protocols and experimental workflows.
• Design and fabrication of custom experimental platforms, devices, and instrumentation.
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

Minimum:

• Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, Microbiology, Mycology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, or a closely related field
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific productivity
• Experience with molecular biology and genetic manipulation
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and live-cell imaging
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team

Preferred
Applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Filamentous fungal biology (Neurospora, Aspergillus, or related systems)
• Fungal, microbial, or cellular physiology
• Experience with biochemistry (protein expression and analysis, western blot, etc)
• Electrophysiology and/or microelectrode techniques
• Membrane physiology and ion transport
• Confocal or advanced fluorescence microscopy
• Development of novel experimental methods and laboratory instrumentation
• Computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Solid Works)
• 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and fabrication of custom laboratory devices

Along with the online application, please attach:

** Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Biological Engineering at USU is a top-25 ranked program in the United States with strong collaborations across the USU campus to provide the successful candidate exposure to interdisciplinary research approaches and strong mentoring and career development.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and…