Postdoctoral Researcher

Overview

The compensation for this position is $5,720.00 per month and is non-negotiable.

The Computational Active Matter Mechanics Lab focuses on understanding the behavior of soft active materials made-up-of flexible active and passive elements using theoretical and computational modeling methods. Common examples of soft active matter studied by the lab include individual cells, multicellular constructs, and active biopolymer assemblies.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be an integral member of a dynamic research team focused on advancing the field of computational active matter mechanics. The primary responsibility will be to develop cutting-edge computational and theoretical models to explore non-equilibrium self-assembly processes for advanced manufacturing and the application of molecular motors in soft robotics. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also contribute to other related on-going projects in the lab. 

Responsibilities

Research and Development (75%)

• Lead research initiatives to create and validate computational models of non-equilibrium self-assembly and molecular motor dynamics.
• Conduct theoretical analysis and computational simulations to understand the emergent properties of active matter systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate computational models with experimental data.
• Author and co-author research papers, present findings at conferences, and contribute to grant writing efforts.

Lab Management (5%)

• Assist with the organization and management of digital and physical resources within the lab.
• Oversee the maintenance of computational infrastructure, ensuring software and hardware are up to date and meet the lab's research needs.
• Implement and maintain safety and compliance protocols for all lab activities.

Mentorship and Supervision (5%)

• Provide guidance and mentorship to graduate and undergraduate researchers in developing their research projects, computational skills, and analytical techniques.
• Conduct regular meetings with junior researchers to track project progress and address challenges.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive lab culture that encourages innovation and rigorous scientific inquiry.

Professional Development (10%)

• Engage in professional development opportunities to remain current with the latest technologies and methodologies in computational mechanics.
• Build a network with other professionals in the field through collaborations and participation in scientific communities.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• A doctoral degree in an appropriate field.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in computational modeling and simulation, preferably related to active matter or soft robotics.
• Proficient in programming languages and simulation tools commonly used in computational mechanics (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LAMMPS).
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with team members and mentor junior researchers.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.