Fellow (Post Doc)

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our research team immediately. The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research and development projects involving system design and construction, process integration, and monitoring and control technologies. The position offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects that integrate engineering design, automation, instrumentation, data acquisition, and process optimization.

  • 522031
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Carl Melinda Helwig Dpt BioAgE
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Aug 14 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team immediately. The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research and development projects involving system design and construction, process integration, and monitoring and control technologies. The position offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects that integrate engineering design, automation, instrumentation, data acquisition, and process optimization.

The purpose of this postdoctoral position is to advance smart biomanufacturing by developing and implementing next generation strategies in process control, automation, and real time monitoring to enable more efficient, reliable, and scalable biological production systems. The postdoc will contribute to both fundamental and applied research aimed at building digitally integrated bioprocesses, mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers, and help drive the publication and dissemination of high impact scientific outcomes.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field. The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated expertise in system design and construction
  • Experience with electrical systems, instrumentation, and signaling architectures
  • Strong background in process integration, systems engineering, or process optimization
  • Experience with monitoring and control systems, including sensors, data acquisition, SCADA, PLCs, DCS, or related technologies
  • Proficiency in data analysis, modeling, and troubleshooting complex engineering systems
  • Strong written and oral communication skills with a record of peer-reviewed publications
  • Experience in automation, or advanced process control
  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and integrated control architectures
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, PLC programming, or similar engineering software tools
  • Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and managing research projects
  • Demonstrated ability to secure or contribute to competitive research funding proposals
  • Candidate must be eligible to start in September 2026

Additional Role Information:

  • Balancing, speaking, walking/running, keyboarding, sitting, twisting/bending, climbing, feeling handling, repetitive movement, standing, carrying, reaching, writing

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Contact information for three professional references
  • Previous publications

Application Window

Applications close on: August 14, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$52,000 - $70,000 annual salary

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.