Yiping Zhao

The University of Georgia is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI-enabled surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for precision molecular analysis and biophysical discovery. This two-year position is supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Commitment and will be based in the research group of Prof. Yiping Zhao in the Department of Physics at UGA. The project sits at the interface of spectroscopy, plasmonic nanostructures, machine learning, microfluidics, biophysical measurement science, nanofabrication, and materials characterization . Potential applications include nucleic acid analysis, single-cell spectroscopy, plant metabolomics, environmental monitoring, and materials/materials-biology interface characterization . Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date. Strong hands-on experience in SERS is required, along with evidence of research productivity. Preferred experience includes microfluidics, chromatography, electrophoresis, machine learning, statistical modeling, nanofabrication, plasmonic materials, and scientific programming in Python or MATLAB. The appointment starts on July 1, 2026 , lasts two years , and provides a $65,000/year salary plus fringe benefits , along with conference travel and professional development support. The position is restricted to candidates who are new to UGA as of July 1, 2026 and who have valid U.S. work authorization for the full duration; visa sponsorship is not available . To apply, submit a CV , a cover letter describing research interests and fit, and arrange for three recommendation letters through the UGA job portal. Applications are reviewed immediately and accepted until the position is filled.