Postdoctoral Fellow Plankton Ecology and Bioluminescence

Apply now to join FAU, where tomorrow begins.

For more information on everything FAU has to offer, please visit www.fau.edu/jobs. 

Note: Current FAU employees must apply as an internal applicant by logging into their existing Workday employee account.

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.

Summary: 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.

For further details regarding the project or if interested in discussing your qualifications, please contact Drs. Michael Twardowski (mtwardowski@fau.edu) or Aditya Nayak (anayak@fau.edu). Please include a CV and a brief description of yourself in the email.

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

Special Instructions to Applicant:

This recruitment has been reopened; all previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.

This is a research or research-related support position. As required by Florida Statutes Section 1010.35, a Foreign Influence Screening may be required.

This position is open until filled and may close without prior notice.

This position is subject to funding.

All applicants must apply electronically to the currently posted position on the Office of Human Resources' job website (https://fau.edu/jobs) by completing the required employment application for this recruitment and submitting the related documents.

Required Documents:
FAU’s Career Page permits the attachment of required/requested documentation.

PLEASE NOTE: A maximum of five (5) documents may be attached to your application. If more than five (5) documents are required for submission, please combine additional documents into a single attachment to not exceed the maximum permitted.

The site permits the attachment of required/requested documentation. Candidates wishing full consideration are to provide the following: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references including email addresses and phone numbers.

Transcripts:
Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.

Background Screening:
Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check.

Accommodations:
Individuals requiring accommodation, please call 561-297-3057. 711