Position Summary

The Laboratory of Dr. Liu is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join a research program focused on the development of advanced experimental instrumentation for soft materials and biological systems. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, assembly, integration, and characterization of optical, mechanical, and electromechanical systems used for materials testing, imaging, sensing, and bioengineering applications. 

Responsibilities may include instrument development, optical system alignment, hardware prototyping, automation, data acquisition, and data processing. The successful candidate must be capable of independently planning, executing, and completing research projects within defined timelines. A strong record of productivity and follow-through is expected. The candidate should be able to analyze and interpret data, prepare high-quality manuscripts, and deliver tangible research outcomes. This position requires strong execution ability, scientific rigor, and the capacity to work efficiently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment. The appointment is initially for 1.0 year, renewable every six months based on performance and funding availability. The position includes salary and fringe benefits for the initial term.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -engineering, optics, biotech

Minimum Requirements

• Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or related field by the start of the position. 

Desired Qualifications

• Strong background in experimental mechanics, instrumentation, optical systems, or soft material characterization.
• Hands-on experience in the design, assembly, troubleshooting, and operation of scientific instrumentation and experimental platforms.
• Experience with optical systems, including microscopy, optical alignment, imaging, spectroscopy, or fiber-optic technologies.
• Proficiency in mechanical design and prototyping tools (e.g., CAD software, 3D printing, machining, or rapid prototyping).
• Experience with hardware integration, automation, data acquisition, and instrument control using software such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques such as mechanical testing, rheology, fluorescence microscopy, optical imaging, or related methods.
• Experience analyzing complex experimental datasets and developing custom data-processing workflows.
• Strong organizational, project management, and documentation skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently, troubleshoot technical challenges, and translate experimental findings into high-quality manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• CV
• 3 references

Review of Applications Begins On

06/24/2026

Website

https://engineering.msu.edu/departments/chems

Department Statement

About The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University is recognized for excellence in research, innovation, and engineering education. The department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, and the development of solutions to complex challenges in energy, health, sustainability, manufacturing, and advanced materials.

About The College of Engineering

For more than 130 years, the MSU College of Engineering has advanced, shared, and applied engineering knowledge to address society’s most pressing challenges. Our mission is to prepare exceptional engineering graduates, conduct cutting-edge research, and drive innovation that benefits communities locally and globally.

The college pursues this mission through educational and research programs across eight departments, with interdisciplinary strengths in computational sciences, energy, health, manufacturing, materials, mobility, security, and sustainability. By fostering collaboration and discovery, the MSU College of Engineering equips students and faculty to shape the technologies and solutions of the future.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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