Postdoctoral Scholar

The Quantum Biology Laboratory (QBL) at Howard University in Washington, DC, is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Scholar to study how multiscale photoactive processes coordinate structure and dynamics in the agential decision-making behavior of the model organism Physarum polycephalum. This full-time annual appointment funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Matter-to-Life Program would be at a salary commensurate with experience, and is potentially renewable for up to three years. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, Quantum Optics, Quantum Computing, Biological Physics, Network/Multiscale Dynamics, Neurophysics, or comparable discipline. 

Expertise in quantum optics, quantum biology, open quantum systems, quantum computing, or photophysics of biological systems required.

Computational experience in Chimera, PyMOL, or similar biomolecular modeling software and programming experience in Python, Fortran, and C desired. 

Experience in high-performance computing and/or coding-intensive projects a plus.

Experience working in or closely with experimental groups a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work as part of a project team under the direction of the principal investigator (PI), with other QBL members and trainees, with QBL collaborators, and independently on research-related tasks.

Participate actively and communicate effectively in a leadership role during lab/group meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences. Coordinate on-site and virtual meetings/lectures as needed.

Be responsive to communications from the PI and able to take direction.

Manage time and project(s) well with personal initiative. Mentor QBL trainees and perform job-related administrative tasks as assigned. Travel as needed to collaborate on project objectives.

Write well scientifically, including in the preparation of regular reports, manuscripts for publication, and grant proposals. 

BENEFITS

403(b) with employer matching contributions

Health insurance

The notional start date for this position is May 15th, 2023. Position renewal after the first year will be based on satisfactory performance. Interested candidates should submit a 1) CV/resume, 2) cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for this position, and 3) three references (including one from their Ph.D. supervisor, one from their current immediate supervisor if different, and one from a senior scientific collaborator) to quantumbiolab@howard.edu by Friday, April 28th.  

About Us: The QBL studies how collective quantum behaviors in living matter can be manifested, controlled, and exploited for the development of advanced tools, diagnostics, and therapies. Investigators in the QBL use techniques from theoretical physics, quantum optics, quantum information, spectroscopy, structural/molecular biology, and high-performance computing to solve an array of problems relevant to human disease and life processes. For more information, visit  quantumbiolab.com.