How to Apply

Since the Biological Physics and Biophysics research groups at NU are well funded by numerous government agencies (e.g. NSF, NIH, DOE) and foundations, there are many opportunities for paid research positions. This includes opportunities at the undergraduate, graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) and post-doctoral levels. Most of our faculty are associated with multiple departments, including Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering. Accordingly, it is common for research groups to have students from multiple graduate programs.

Graduate Research Opportunities

All Ph.D. and M.S. students must first be admitted to a specific department or program through an annual application process (December deadline for Fall entry). While all groups will take graduate students from the Department of Physics, biological physics and physics of living systems are intrinsically interdisciplinary, and students from various programs study in our groups. If you are interested in a specific group/lab, we recommend that you directly contact the principal investigator and discuss the route that is most suitable for your background and scientific goals. Below are links for various departments and programs that you can consider if you would like to pursue graduate studies in Biological Physics and Physics of Living Systems

  • Physics If you have questions about graduate studies in physics, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Prof. Paul Whitford.
  • Chemistry
  • (NEW) Biophysics The application for our new inter-departmental PhD program in Biophysics will become available in November 2024. If you are interested in learning about this program, please contact Prof. Max Bi.
  • Bioengineering

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

At the undergraduate level, there are many opportunities for students at NU, as well as summer opportunities for students at other universities. These include paid and volunteer opportunities throughout the year, and they can include Co-op positions. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to faculty to inquire about current possibilities.

Postdoctoral Opportunities

If you are interested in a postdoctoral position, you must apply directly to the research group. There is no fixed schedule for applications.