Position Type: Staff Full-time

Hours per week: 37.5   

Weeks per year: 52

Work Schedule: M-F 

Department Summary & Job Purpose:

A postdoctoral position is available in the research group of Prof. Kerstin Nordstrom. The lab studies granular materials and complex fluids. This NSF funded position is specifically for a project on fast granular flows using photoelastic particles to characterize evolving force networks during flow events. The position is funded for 3 years. The ideal start date is June 2022, with some flexibility. Mentored teaching opportunities are available, should the successful candidate desire them.

An initial review of applications will begin on March 1 - however the job will remain open until filled. Contact Prof. Nordstrom directly with any questions knordstr@mtholyoke.edu

Core Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

• The successful candidate will contribute to all aspects of the lab’s activities, including but not limited to: student mentoring, coordinating/collaborating with undergraduate research students, presenting at group meetings, presenting at conferences, preparing and editing manuscripts, troubleshooting equipment issues, and communicating their career goals, project goals, progress, and work schedule with the principal investigator.

Qualifications: PhD in physics or a related field such as mechanical engineering or materials science. Candidates who anticipate earning a PhD before September 1, 2022 will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience working in soft matter physics, broadly defined. It is preferred that a candidate has some basic experience with working in a wet lab, and familiarity with setting up camera optics. It is also preferred that the candidate have experience using MATLAB and/or Python for particle tracking.

Physical Demands: The employee will work in an experimental laboratory environment that requires sufficient physical ability to navigate the tools and tasks required, including visual acuity, physical dexterity to manipulate small objects, ability to move modest sized objects up to 25 pounds, and ability to communicate effectively for safety and teaching purposes.

Working Conditions: Employee will work in laboratory environments with a wide range of hazardous materials. Chemical safety training will be provided.  

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified
employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully
carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate
background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as
the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver

Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and
Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online by application deadline. Application materials must include 1) a cover letter summarizing
interests and qualifications, 2) a complete resume or curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for 3
professional references. 

Mount Holyoke College is a women’s college that is gender diverse. The College is committed to providing equal access and opportunity in employment and education to all employees and students. In compliance with state and federal law, Mount Holyoke College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, genetic information, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, ancestry, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state or local law. The College does not discriminate on the basis of gender in the recruitment and admission of students to its graduate program.

Mount Holyoke College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.