Research Associate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The University of Virginia Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on structure design to address critical healthcare challenges.

The position will be based in the AIME Lab, which develops unconventional bioelectronics assisted by artificial intelligence to advance precision health. The lab's work focuses on creating intelligent sensors and robotics that revolutionize how we diagnose, monitor, and treat a wide range of diseases.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will play a key role in the co-development of advanced acoustic control systems aimed at transformative healthcare applications. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, modeling, and implementation of next-generation integrated platforms, including: flexible medical patches for cancer detection and therapeutic monitoring; Personalized implantable systems for cardiovascular disease management; and Intelligent textiles and haptic interfaces for rehabilitation and physical therapy. This position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of acoustics, artificial intelligence, and biomedical engineering to advance precision and personalized healthcare technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate across UVA to advance projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence, health, and human healthcare.
• Develop medical devices for health applications.
• Lead and co-author publications in top-tier journals and conferences spanning computing, health informatics, and human-centered devices.
• Present research findings at academic, clinical, and professional venues to engage multidisciplinary audiences.
• Support proposal and grant development, contributing to the creation of interdisciplinary research initiatives and external funding opportunities.

Qualification Requirement:

• Must hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field before the start date
• Strong research background in acoustic or ultrasonic systems, intelligent sensing, or bioelectronic device design
• Experience in design, fabrication, and testing of acoustic or healthcare-related sensing platforms
• Knowledge of fundamental field theories, about wave control, energy focusing or manipulation principles
• Foundational understanding of advanced acoustic theories, including nonlinear, multimodal, or metamaterial-based phenomena
• Foundation in signal acquisition, data analysis, and imaging or monitoring of biological or material responses
• Experience integrating AI or data-driven methods into device design or interpretation
• Insight into applying acoustic metamaterials toward biomedical and sensing applications
• Proven ability to collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and biomedical domains
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals related to acoustics, electronics, or intelligent healthcare technologies
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in cross-disciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in AI-assisted device design, optimization, or inverse modeling
• Familiarity with wearable or implantable systems for diagnostic or therapeutic use
• Background in multimodal sensing integration combining acoustic, optical, or mechanical modalities
• Experience with signal enhancement, machine learning, or data-driven imaging analysis
• Track record of publications in high-impact scientific journals, conferences or patents.
• Experience contributing to or leading research grant applications
• Ability to manage interdisciplinary collaborations bridging engineering and medicine
• Experience mentoring students or coordinating multi-investigator research activities

Application Procedure:

Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a cover letter; the most recent CV with a description of relevant experience and publications, and contact information for three references.

Application Deadline:

Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025, but the position will remain open until interview begin. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional two years, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Xun Zhao, Assistant Professor at xunzhao@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@Virginia.edu.

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.