Overview:
The Fungal Biotechnology & Engineering (FBE) Lab in the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Utah State University (USU) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research program investigating electrical activity in fungal networks.
This project brings together fungal biology, physiology, microscopy, electrophysiology, and engineering to develop innovative experimental approaches for studying fungal systems. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to an emerging area of research while working within a highly collaborative and supportive environment.
The position is fully funded and includes a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative research team led by Dr. Erika J. Espinosa-Ortiz and work closely with Dr. Jixun Zhan, Dr. Lukas Buecherl, and Dr. Venkatraman Siddharthan at Utah State University. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning fungal biology, engineering, and advanced imaging technologies.
Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of experimental approaches for studying electrical activity in fungal networks, including:
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Molecular and genetic manipulation of fungal systems.
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Live-cell imaging and microscopy-based measurements.
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Physiological characterization and experimental validation.
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Development and optimization of laboratory protocols and experimental workflows.
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Design and fabrication of custom experimental platforms, devices, and instrumentation.
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Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
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Preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
Qualifications:
Minimum:
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Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, Microbiology, Mycology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, or a closely related field
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Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific productivity
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Experience with molecular biology and genetic manipulation
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Experience with fluorescence microscopy and live-cell imaging
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Excellent written and oral communication skills
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team
Preferred
Applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:
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Filamentous fungal biology (Neurospora, Aspergillus, or related systems)
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Fungal, microbial, or cellular physiology
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Experience with biochemistry (protein expression and analysis, western blot, etc)
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Electrophysiology and/or microelectrode techniques
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Membrane physiology and ion transport
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Confocal or advanced fluorescence microscopy
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Development of novel experimental methods and laboratory instrumentation
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Computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks)
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3D printing, rapid prototyping, and fabrication of custom laboratory devices
Required Documents:
Along with the online application, please attach:
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CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”.
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Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application.
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Contact information for three professional references to be typed at the beginning of the application.
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits ADA:
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
College/Department Highlights:
Biological Engineering at USU is a top-25 ranked program in the United States with strong collaborations across the USU campus to provide the successful candidate exposure to interdisciplinary research approaches and strong mentoring and career development.
University Highlights:
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or
[email protected].
Notice of Non-discrimination:
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.
In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
Old Main Room 405
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322
(435) 797-1266
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
