Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in tissue biomechanics to work in the group of Associate Prof. Eva-Maria Collins at Swarthmore College. The Collins lab is an interdisciplinary group of  students, postdocs, and research staff that thrives on teamwork and welcomes diverse candidates to join us. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills and a keen interest in developing leadership and mentoring skills. The successful candidate will work closely with undergraduate students at Swarthmore College. Therefore, demonstrated teamwork ability and mentoring experience is an asset.

The opportunity:

This NSF-funded position is for an interdisciplinary research project aimed at investigating how short-range forces generate long-range order in extreme tissue deformations using Hydra as an experimental system. Hydra is uniquely suitable for in vivo biomechanics studies due to optical transparency and amenability to chemical, physical, and genetic perturbations. Its simple anatomy makes it amenable to mathematical modeling. This position combines both experiments and modeling. The position is research focused but offers options for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. Thus, this position is especially well-suited for individuals interested in a career at a primary undergraduate institution. It will provide opportunities for gaining teaching experience and guidance in developing a competitive research program amenable to undergraduate research. It also provides plenty of avenues to interact with faculty, postdocs, and undergraduate students in other departments at Swarthmore College, with colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania (only a 20-minute drive away), and national and international collaborators. 

Essential Responsibilities

1) Perform experiments, analyze, and interpret data (35%) – in person

2) Perform computational work and mathematical modeling (25%) – hybrid possible

3) Presentation of work in written reports, scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and oral presentations  (15%) – hybrid possible

4) Supervise and mentor undergraduate research students (15%) – in person

5) Perform animal care, lab chores, and instrument maintenance (10%) – in person

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

 Supervisory Responsibilities

Co-supervise and train 1-3 undergraduate students per semester and during the summer.

Who you are:

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in biophysics, bioengineering, quantitative biology, systems biology, or closely related field. PhD experience with molecular biology techniques, in vivo microscopy, and developing new experimental and/or computational approaches is preferred. Applicants with a strong interest in mathematical modeling of biological systems are especially encouraged to apply.

What you bring:

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in biophysics, quantitative biology, bioengineering or closely related field.
• Demonstrated working experience with standard cellular and molecular biology work.
• Demonstrated mathematical modeling skills.
• Demonstrated coding experience in MATLAB or Python (or similar languages).
• Demonstrated experience with advanced microscopy (e.g. confocal, SPIM).
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience working with cell culture.
• Demonstrated experience with robotics.
• Demonstrated experience with designing and building custom experimental setups.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring student researchers.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.

 How to Apply:

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with your CV, cover letter, and list of three references by December 5, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

The market range for this position is $65,000 - $71,000 per year, which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. The salary offered is determined based on factors including, but not limited to, experience and education of the final selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

PA Criminal Clearance Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

Education Verification Required by Position

An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

2025 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.