Postdoctoral Research Associate, Biology

NU USA Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Boston invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate with The Copos Group, focusing on computational and mathematical models in cell biology. The role involves performing basic or applied research, assisting with interpretation, publishing results and grants, and supervising supporting staff, with an appointment usually up to two years.

The successful candidate will work on agent-based models, continuum PDE descriptions, dynamical systems, and ML-based

Qualifications

• Must have a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics or Mathematics or Physics.
• Experience in mathematical biology and in using theoretical and numerical approaches.

Responsibilities

• Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research and experiments.
• Prepare and write research papers, presentations, grant proposals, etc.
• Laboratory management and supervision of supporting staff.

Skills

Agent-based models

Continuum PDEs

Dynamical systems

ML surrogate models

Education

Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics or Mathematics or Physics

Job description

About the Opportunity Job Summary The Copos Group works on computational and mathematical theoretical models with direct applications to several open problems in cell biology. We are specifically interested in uncovering the role of mechanics in tissue development, healing, and homeostasis. The postdoctoral research associate will perform basic or applied research of a limited scope, primarily using existing theories and methods. They will assist the supervisor in the interpretation and publication of results and grants. Furthermore, it is expected that they exercise functional supervision over supporting research staff. The primary responsibility is to ensure that the research is complete. The appointment generally does not extend beyond two years.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting in initiating, executing, and completing clinical research and experiments
• Prepare and write research papers, presentations, grant proposals, etc.
• Laboratory management
• Train graduate students

Qualifications Must have a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics or Mathematics or Physics; be able to undertake substantially full-time research or scholarship; work under the supervision of a senior scholar. The postdoctoral fellow should have research experience in mathematical biology, preferably using theoretical and numerical approaches to understand mechanisms in biological systems.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of PI Calina Copos and will engage in collaborative work with cell and developmental biologists.

Expertise in agent-based models, continuum PDE descriptions, dynamical systems, and/or ML-based surrogate model discovery are strongly preferred.

This appointment is intended to be a two-year commitment; after one year the position will be renewed if funding is available.

This position has no teaching responsibilities, but there is an opportunity to teach if desired.

The preferred starting date is September 1, 2025.

Position Type Research

Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation.

Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 108S Expected Hiring Range: $60,315.00 - $85,192.50 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—which includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.