Florida International University
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Postdoctoral Fellow in Plankton Ecology, Bioluminescence, Fluid Dynamics, and Optics Florida Atlantic University in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Full-time, one-year postdoctoral appointment with a possible second year contingent on funding and performance. Salary is $65,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience. The position is subject to funding.
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Country
United States
University
Florida International University
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About this position
Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, Florida, invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow in Plankton Ecology and Bioluminescence.
The one-year postdoctoral project, with a possible second year depending on funding and performance, lies at the interface of fluid dynamics, bioluminescence, plankton ecology, marine ecology, and optics. The research will investigate how physical forcing and organism morphology influence bioluminescent behavior in key dinoflagellate species. Laboratory experiments will combine measurements of organism abundance, fluid flow, and bioluminescence emissions to improve understanding of bioluminescence arising from predator-prey interactions and other sources of fluid shear.
The fellow will help design and use optical setups for fluid, particle, and plankton imaging; acquire and analyze data; and develop post-processing routines. The role is well suited to researchers with expertise in experimental fluid mechanics, particle image velocimetry, digital holography, turbulence, optical instrumentation, or quantitative plankton and marine research.
Applicants must hold a PhD in Engineering, Oceanography, Plankton Ecology, Physics, Optics, or a related discipline before starting. Candidates nearing dissertation completion and current postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to apply. Strong experimental fluid mechanics experience and proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python are required. Experience in marine ecology, optics, instrument development, experiment design, project execution, scientific writing, and peer-reviewed publication is desirable.
The salary is $65,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience. The position is based at FAU-HBOI in Fort Pierce, Florida, and is subject to funding. For project questions, contact Dr. Michael Twardowski at [email protected] or Dr. Aditya Nayak at [email protected].
To apply, submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact details for three professional references through the Florida Atlantic University Workday careers portal. The stated application deadline is December 31, 2026, although the position is open until filled and may close earlier.
Funding details
Full-time, one-year postdoctoral appointment with a possible second year contingent on funding and performance. Salary is $65,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience. The position is subject to funding.
What's required
A PhD in Engineering, Oceanography, Plankton Ecology, Physics, Optics, or a related field must be completed before the position starts; graduate students close to defending and current postdocs are encouraged to apply. Applicants need a strong experimental fluid mechanics background, including familiarity with particle image velocimetry and digital holography for characterizing flow, turbulence, and particle or organism distributions and interactions. Experience in marine ecology, optics, or instrument development is preferred but not required. Applicants must be able to design and execute experiments independently or in teams, use MATLAB and/or Python for data analysis and visualization, and ideally demonstrate strong writing skills and a record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications. Candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references, including email addresses and phone numbers. Finalists must provide official sealed transcripts and, where applicable, an original NACES evaluation, and successfully complete required employment screenings.
How to apply
Apply electronically through the Florida Atlantic University Human Resources careers website using the currently posted Workday requisition. Submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references with email addresses and phone numbers.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.