"Postdoctoral Research and Teaching Associate/Scholar"

Position Summary

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), in partnership with the NIH-funded Biomedical Engineering, Imaging, and Technology Acceleration (BEITA) Center, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research-Teaching Associate (PDRTA) position. This prestigious opportunity engages in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of nanoscience, nanoengineering, biomedical sciences, and biomedical engineering, while gaining structured teaching experience and professional development for a future career in academia. The Associate/scholar will be supported by a collaborative, cross-institutional mentoring team from WSSU, the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), Dillard University, and the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN). Research focuses on innovative approaches in biosensing and biodiagnostics, contributing to the translational goals of the BEITA Center.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct interdisciplinary research in areas such as Materials/Optical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Science, Nanoscience, Nanoengineering, Biophysics, and Biochemistry
• Teach at least one 3-credit course per academic year (e.g., Introductory Physics or Physical Science) at WSSU
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to workforce development, K–12 summer outreach
• Participate in professional development activities, including research/experimental techniques, pedagogy training, grant-writing workshops, and high-impact teaching practices
• Travel to partner institutions for conducting research training and support other educational activities

Benefits:

• Full Winston-Salem State University Employee Coverage
• Opportunities to teach upper-level courses based on expertise
• Mentorship by faculty across four institutions
• Training to prepare for tenure-track academic positions

Contact:

Dr. Jafar Gharavi-Naeini, Principal Investigator/Director BEITA Program, Email: naeinijg@wssu.edu

Requirements and Preferences

Department Required Skills

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in one of the selected Experimental STEM fields: Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Materials Physics/Chemistry, Optical Physics/Chemistry, Nanoengineering, Nanoscience
• Must be eligible to work in the USA; WSSU will not sponsor anyone for work visa

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Experience in Optical Spectroscopies (Raman, SERS, PL)
• Experience in E-Beam Lithography, SEM, EDX
• Interest in pursuing a career in academia that combines research, teaching, and mentorship
• Teaching experience in physics, chemistry, or related fields
• Experience working with broad student populations
• Evidence of effective collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement