Postdoctoral Researcher Theoretical Biophysics of Brain Organoids

Postdoctoral Researcher — Theoretical Biophysics of Brain Organoids

Job Title Postdoctoral Researcher — Theoretical Biophysics of Brain Organoids

Location

Campus

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in‑person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $62,400 - $65,000

Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months’ salary unless otherwise specified.

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

Determined by supervisor

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Rank

Rank Post Doc

Unionized Position Code

Not Applicable

Job Description

Dear Colleagues Interested in Brain Organoids,

The J. M. Schwarz Theory Group develops theoretical approaches to emergent phenomena in living and nonliving matter, including rigidity transitions, shape instabilities, physical learning, learning in biological systems with and without brains, and multiscale mechanics spanning chromatin, cells, tissues, and organoids.

We are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to develop theoretical models describing the interplay between neuronal activity and metabolic activity in sleep–wake transitions in brain organoids. This project is part of a broader effort to develop a quantitative physics of learning across biological scales, connecting chromatin, cells, tissues, and brain organoids through common theoretical principles.

Candidates with backgrounds in soft matter physics, statistical physics, biological physics, computational neuroscience, complex systems, machine learning for physical systems, applied mathematics, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Please visit jmschwarztheorygroup.org to learn more about the group’s research, including questions such as Can sand learn? and How do cancer cell collectives learn to remodel their extracellular matrix to enable breakout? The successful candidate will also have opportunities to collaborate with faculty, students, and postdoctoral researchers in the Syracuse Soft and Biological Matter Group, as well as with national and international collaborators.

The position is expected to begin in September 2026 and is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

Qualifications

PhDs with backgrounds in soft matter physics, statistical physics, biological physics, computational neuroscience, complex systems, machine learning for physical systems, applied mathematics, or related disciplines.

Job Specific Qualifications

Not Applicable

Responsibilities

Research duties will be to develop theoretical models describing the interplay between neuronal activity and metabolic activity in sleep–wake transitions in brain organoids and test the predictions of the modeling against experiments. Active collaboration with Professors Orly Reiner and Yaakov Nahmias and their respective group members is also important. Some mentoring of other members of the Schwarz Group will be expected.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

About Syracuse University

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