Postdoc Fellow in Bhamla Lab Full-time

The Bhamla Lab invites applications from a diverse group of scientists for postdoctoral positions to develop new research directions and contribute to existing projects. There are 4 roles, and we are seeking self-motivated, creative applicants with backgrounds in either organismal biomechanics, soft robotics, or hardware engineering. You will be expected to lead independent research, collaborate with other group members, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and actively engage in the Bhamla Lab’s educational and science communication programs.

Project Description: Applicants should identify with one of the groups below.

1. Organismal Biology. Interdisciplinary organismal biologists and biophysicists who will bring new animal systems or work on existing ones in the lab (e.g., springtails, worms, squids, flamingos, etc.). Collaborate with engineers, modelers, and physicists to discover fundamental principles across living and robophysical systems. Lead the lab’s Jungle Biomechanics Laboratory, a field course on interdisciplinary field research.
2. Bioinspired Engineering. Mechanical engineers and soft roboticists who are passionate about exploring bioinspired design and testing. Propose innovative ideas or contribute to existing goals, from soft roboticsto squid-inspired nozzles and beyond. Conduct in-lab and field testing, and collect data on the animals. Collaborate with biologists and physicists to uncover fundamental principles.
3. Raman Diagnostics: A transdisciplinary scientist, engineer, and tinkerer aiming to develop a low-cost Raman spectrometer for medical diagnostics at the point of care. Open to bench testing, hardware and optics development, ML software development, and field testing in low- and middle-income countries. Potential to spin off as a company (see Piezo Tx).
4. Curiosity-Based Researcher: Open to self-driven, kind, interdisciplinary scientists from all backgrounds interested in any topics within our `physics of life’ and `frugal science’. Misfits, big-thinkers, and tinkerers are welcome.

We have secured funding to support these postdoctoral positions for 3 years through DARPA, NSF, NIH, and the Schmidt Foundation. You will work as part of an ‘Avengers’ team of biologists, engineers, and physicists to conduct both independent and collaborative research. Come bring your expertise and implement your ideas into the Bhamla Lab! Excellent science communication is a bonus.

Why join us? At the Bhamla lab, we are a diverse team of big-thinking and bold scientists who are also kind, collaborative, and excited about new ideas. We value creative and collaborative scientists who thrive in large team environments. Our lab produces impactful and valuable science on topics ranging from insect fluid excretion to synthetic cell design and frugal medical device development. Join our trailblazing research with an interdisciplinary team that regularly publishes in flagship journals, with an eye for translation of discoveries. Thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages innovative ideas. We are passionately and unapologetically curious about nature’s unending lifeforms!

Our lab is currently located at Georgia Tech in the lively city of Atlanta, but in summer 2026, we will relocate to CU Boulder’s BioFrontiers Institute in the vibrant mountain town of Boulder, Colorado. Join our team and help create a new research space!

Key Postdoc Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead an independent research project.
• Collaborate with team members and assist in ongoing lab projects.
• Mentor Graduate Students and Undergraduate Students.
• Participate and assist in educational and science communication programs (Jungle Biomechanics Lab, Frugal Science Academy, or Multi-lingual Science Comics).

Qualifications:

• PhD in your respective field.
• Proven track record in publishing strong research in your respective field.
• Experience in at least three of the following domains: Organismal Biology, Experimental Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Animal Behavior, Cellular Biology, Field Biology, Fluid Mechanics, Soft-Robotics, Optics, Microfluidics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Machine Learning, Theoretical Physics, Simulations, Education, and/or Science Communication.
• A preferred candidate would have experience with a large subset of these domains.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with scientists in different fields.

Compensation: $65,000 annual salary (negotiable) plus benefits with an expectation to work 40 hours per week.

 APPLY! Applications are currently being accepted and will be evaluated on a rolling basis. We have funding available for 4 fellows for up to 3-year positions, renewable annually based on performance.

To apply, email Prof. Saad Bhamla with a one-page bio-sketch that addresses how you fit the position, and please include a CV in the email. Please include “[Biophysics-PD/keyword]” in the subject line without quotes.

If you are unsure, please reach out and chat with Saad to discuss fit and possibilities. He plans to attend the annual conferences for SICB in Portland, OR, and the APS March Meeting in Denver, CO.

To learn more about the Bhamla Lab, check out our website and Google Scholar!

Tagged as: Engineering, Life Sciences, Physics