We are looking for a postdoctoral scholar to study the hydrodynamics of closely spaced, flexible biological surfaces at intermediate Reynolds numbers, using ctenophores (comb jellies) as a model system. The position will involve: animal experiments in the lab and in the field, challenging PIV and imaging applications, materials characterization, and physical/robotic modeling. Biologists, physicists, materials scientists, and others with interdisciplinary interests are welcome and encouraged to apply! Please forward widely. Further details available at https://sites.psu.edu/byronlab/2022/06/28/postdoc-opportunity-ebfm/. Contact Margaret Byron at mbyron [at] psu.edu with questions.

Start: August 2022, or as soon as possible

Duration: 1- 3 years (renewable after initial year)

Deadline to apply: as soon as possible; review begins July 1, 2022

Required qualifications:

• PhD in biology, engineering, physics, or related field.
• Past research experience in an experimental (non-computational) setting.
• Background should be in marine biology, fluid-structure interaction, bio-fluid mechanics, or other biophysics. Basic technical background in fluid dynamics, mechanics of materials, and dynamics is preferred, but not required.
• Past experiences in biological oceanography, marine invertebrate zoology, materials science, smart structures, or any other fields related to the project description are welcome.
• If past experience is exclusively in biology, applicant should demonstrate willingness and ability to work in a team with engineers/physicists.

How to apply: Send an email to mbyron@psu.edu with the subject line “Bio-Fluid Structure Interaction Postdoc Application”.  Include your CV, the names/email addresses of three references, and a short letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining your interest in the project, including any relevant past experience that may uniquely qualify you for this project. Top candidates will be invited to interview via Zoom.

Lab/research group description: The Environmental and Biological Fluid Mechanics (EBFM) Laboratory explores the fundamental fluid dynamics of how animals and particles interact with flow. We are particularly interested in the intermediate scales where both inertia and viscosity are important (see https://sites.psu.edu/byronlab). We are part of Penn State’s Mechanical Engineering Department, which has nearly 60 research groups across a variety of topics (see https://www.me.psu.edu/research/index.aspx). EBFM lab is part of the Rainbow Engineering Network and is actively committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all affiliated researchers. Members of EBFM lab view science as a human enterprise and scientists as whole people.

Location: Penn State University is located in State College, PA, which is consistently rated one of the best college towns in the United States for its safety, livability, and scenic surroundings. The area offers a compelling juxtaposition of urban and rural: bustling downtown shops, restaurants and entertainment venues are only a few traffic-free minutes from pristine hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing in the nearby mountains and forests.