POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN BIOPHYSICAL INSTRUMENTATION

Department of Physics

Applications are invited for one or two postdoctoral positions, working on the development and testing of new instrumentation for biophysical applications in the laboratory of Prof. Paul Hansma. Candidates should have a PhD in experimental physics or engineering. Current projects involve the development and testing of instruments to probe the mechanical properties of tissues in the human body and in plants. These projects developed from previous work in the group on building Atomic Force Microscopes and the Bone Diagnostic Instrument. The successful candidate will participate in the research activities of the group, including opportunities to write proposals and mentor research students. The ability to quickly and efficiently design experiments and write up the results for publication and to mentor research students in these skills is particularly important. UCSB provides a stimulating research environment for interdisciplinary research. The greater University of California system provides opportunities for collaborations on medical applications of the new instrumentation. Existing medical collaborations include investigations of changes in mechanical properties that reflect extracellular matrix composition and organization, and as such, can be a signature of disease. Examples of such diseases include intervertebral disc degeneration, cancer, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and tooth decay.

The appointment is funded for two years, contingent on performance. Additional years are possible. The starting date is negotiable, with positions available immediately. Applicants should send their vitae, bibliography, a 1 page summary of previous research highlights, and a statement of current research interests; they should arrange for two or more letters of recommendation to arrive by the November 15 deadline. Materials should be sent as a pdf by email to postdoc-search@physics.ucsb.edu with Biophysical Postdoc in the subject line.

The position is open until filled; but materials should arrive by the deadline to ensure full consideration. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence through diversity.

Posted: October 23, 2008