Postdoctoral Fellow Plankton Ecology and Bioluminescence

Florida Atlantic University; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (FAU-HBOI) in Fort Pierce, FL, invites applications for a one-year postdoctoral position with a possible second year based on funding and performance.

The project spans fluid dynamics, bioluminescence, plankton ecology and optics, exploring how shear forces influence bioluminescent behavior in key dinoflagellate species through lab experiments, imaging, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related field and completed prior to start.
• Strong experimental background in fluid mechanics and optical techniques.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization using MATLAB or Python.
• Ability to design and execute experiments individually or in a team.
• Strong writing skills with publication record desired.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement optical setups for fluid/particle/plankton imaging.
• Coordinate data acquisition, processing, and analysis for experiments.
• Develop data post-processing routines and analyze bioluminescence in relation to shear.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Fluid mechanics

Experimental design

Bioluminescence

Optics

Education

PhD in Engineering / Oceanography / Physics / Optics

Tools

Particle Image Velocimetry

Digital Holography

Job description

Position Summary

A postdoctoral position is available immediately at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (FAU-HBOI) in Fort Pierce, Florida. The position is for one year, with a possible second year contingent on funding and performance.

The FAU-HBOI postdoc will have the opportunity to work on a highly interdisciplinary and exciting project at the interface of fluid dynamics, bioluminescence, plankton ecology and optics. Bioluminescence in marine organisms is primarily mechanically stimulated, when local shear stresses in the fluid exceed species-specific thresholds. Dinoflagellates, a dominant phytoplankton group, are a primary source of bioluminescence in coastal waters. The project will explore how physical forcing and morphology influence bioluminescent behavior in key dinoflagellate species through comprehensive laboratory experiments, including simultaneous quantification of organism abundance, flow and bioluminescence emissions. A high level objective is to better understand how bioluminescence results from predator-prey interactions and other sources of shear. The postdoc will be expected to participate in designing and employing different optical setups for fluid, particle and/or plankton imaging, data acquisition/analysis, and developing data post-processing routines.

Minimum Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Engineering, Oceanography, Plankton Ecology, Physics, Optics, or a related field is required to be completed prior to starting the position.


• Graduate students close to defending their dissertation and/or current postdocs looking for a new opportunity are both encouraged to apply.


• A strong experimental background in fluid mechanics is required, including familiarity with employing optical techniques such as particle image velocimetry and digital holography to characterize flow, turbulence and particle/organism distributions and interactions.


• Additional background in marine ecology, optics, or instrument development is preferred, but not required.


• Experience with conceptualizing and designing experiments and executing projects individually or as part of a team is essential.


• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python for data analysis and visualization is needed.


• The ideal candidate would also possess strong writing skills with a demonstrable record of publishing high quality peer-reviewed papers.

Salary: $65,000-$90,000 (commensurate with experience)

College or Department: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Location: Harbor Branch (HBOI)

Work Days and Hours: N/A

Application Deadline: 2026-12-31

As a nationally recognized Carnegie R1 research institution and one of only 13 universities nationwide to also hold Carnegie designations for Opportunity and Community Engagement, Florida Atlantic is advancing discovery, driving economic growth, and preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world. As South Florida's Hometown University, Florida Atlantic serves as a destination for learning, culture, athletics, and community engagement. Through NCAA Division I athletics, world‑class performing arts and cultural events, public lectures, gallery exhibitions, environmental education programs, and one of the nation's largest Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, Florida Atlantic welcomes thousands of residents, visitors, and learners to its campuses each year. From inspiring environmental education programs to providing enriching experiences for retirees, professionals, families, and sports fans, Florida Atlantic is deeply connected to the communities it serves. Through these experiences and partnerships, the university helps strengthen the region's cultural vitality, workforce, economy and quality of life. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.

Florida Atlantic University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination.

Florida Statute 1010.35 - Screening Foreign Researchers Pursuant to Florida law, any applicant or student seeking employment in a research or research-related support position who is a citizen of a foreign country and not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of employment or training in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, or Syria is subject to additional screening. Applicants meeting those criteria will be required to provide the following information before any offer of employment can be made: every institution of higher education attended; all previous employment since the applicant’s 18th birthday; list of all published material, current and pending research funding from any source, including details about the research, your role, funding source, and amount; list and description of any non-university professional activities; any affiliation with an institution or program in a foreign country. Selected applicants will be required to provide additional information per the Statute, including a complete copy of your passport; and, if available, the most recently submitted DS-160 (Online Non‑immigrant Visa Application).