Postdoctoral Research Associate – Physics & Astronomy

Position Summary:

The Engstrom lab within the undergraduate-only Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) seeks a postdoc to work in close collaboration with the James lab in UNC’s Department of Biological Sciences on a joint NIH-funded project, Developing new biophysical models of choroid fissure closure in zebrafish and foveal pit formation across species. The postdoc will lead the development of two computational models of eye morphogenesis, specifically, a novel bilayer vertex model of choroid fissure closure and a nonlinear elastic finite element model of foveal pit formation. The goal of this modeling effort is to better understand biophysical mechanisms and their roles in normal and pathological eye development. The postdoc will have access to computational resources through RMACC and will interact with a diverse, interdisciplinary team including undergraduate physics and biology majors, Masters students in biology, and external collaborators at Syracuse U., U. of Utah, U. of Georgia, and NIH-NEI. Twelve months of funding at NIH postdoc level 0 is guaranteed, and multiple possibilities exist for continued funding, e.g., applying for a Diversity Supplement to the parent award.

Job Duties:

• Lead development of a bilayer vertex model of choroid fissure closure – essential, 40%
• Lead development of a nonlinear elastic finite element model of foveal pit formation – essential, 40%
• Present and publish findings from the study – essential, 10%
• Train undergraduate physics majors in running simulations based on the above models – essential, 5%
• Attend grant project meetings – essential, 5%

Minimum Qualifications:

• Has or will have by time of hire a PhD in physics or biophysics with a computational emphasis.
• Has ability to work with and train undergraduate physics majors in running simulations.
• Is willing and able to be physically present on campus at least 1 day/week (remote work is acceptable the other 4 days/week).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience using vertex models and/or finite element models for tissue mechanics studies is preferred but is not required.

Target Start Date: January 1, 2025

Contact and Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 11/01/2024.

Review of applications will start immediately after full consideration deadline and will continue until the position is filled. Interested persons should apply online at https://www.unco.edu/human-resources/careers-at-unc.aspx and select "Administrative Positions” then choose “Postdoctoral Research Associate – Physics & Astronomy.”  Application documents to be submitted online are a letter of application/cover letter, curriculum vitae, and names and contacts of three references. Letters of recommendation will be requested for any candidate advancing to the phone interview stage. 

For questions about the application process, contact Becca Romine, phone: 970-351-3899; email: rebbecca.romine@unco.edu.  For questions about the position, contact the search chair, Dr. Tyler Engstrom, at tyler.engstrom@unco.edu.  

About the Department:

• Small, personalized classes are a hallmark of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The student is assured of consideration and expert guidance, with opportunities to thoroughly develop personal skills at a pace compatible with needs. From the earliest to the most advanced physics courses, the student has direct contact with faculty members.
• Research experience is considered to be an essential part of the undergraduate degree. Students become involved in their own research projects under faculty guidance. These studies extend over two or more semesters and are sometimes pursued through cooperation with investigations in industry, government laboratories, or other universities.
• The Department of Physics and Astronomy has well-equipped astronomy, electronics, optics, and introductory physics labs, and computer use is integrated throughout the curriculum. Each lab has several computers dedicated to data acquisition and analysis and students have access to software such as MATLAB, SOLIDWORKS, COMSOL Multiphysics, and LabVIEW. In addition, there are several resources available for undergraduate research, including research stipends, a student machine shop, a 3D printing lab, and observational astronomy, audio, high-speed imaging, nuclear, and optics equipment. There are also strong collaborative traditions within the department and with other programs.

About the College:

• The College of Natural and Health Sciences offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in the natural, health, human and mathematical sciences. Our students benefit from mentoring by faculty who are national and international experts in their fields and from meaningful research opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities. Our graduates leave us with a first-class education that has prepared them to contribute to society whether they become health-care providers, educators, scientists, dietitians, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, sport administrators, rehabilitation counselors, mathematicians, athletic trainers, recreation program managers, public health practitioners or work in other public service-oriented fields.

Benefits:

• Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC:

• The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

• The University of Northern Colorado believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is the pathway to achieving an inclusive community and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. UNC supports the growth of individuals who care about race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion, or physical ability – to honor the intersectionality of our campus. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub to learn more about UNC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

AAEO Employer:

• The University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.
• The University will not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment or educational services against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the University’s policy to prohibit discrimination in employment or educational services on the basis of sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University will likewise take affirmative action to ensure that student applicants and enrolled students are treated during the enrollment at the University without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Such affirmative action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff, retirement, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Furthermore, the University will post in conspicuous places, notice setting forth the provisions of this University’s Equal Opportunity Policy.
• Federal regulations require that the University of Northern Colorado retain all documents submitted by applicants. Materials will not be returned or copied for applicants.

Background Check:

• Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.
• This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act:

• In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.