Open Positions

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia seeks candidates for a Senior Scientist position to work in the lab of Professor Patrick E. Hopkins.

Professor Hopkins is the director of the ExSiTE Lab (https://patrickehopkins.com/), which specialized in research of thermal properties of materials with an emphasis on laser-based pump-probe metrologies.  We seek candidates for work on research related to ultrafast optical spectroscopy of coupled energy transfer using ultrafast laser probes (electron-phonon, plasmon-polariton, phonon-polariton) and thermal conductivity measurements of materials at both cryogenic and elevated temperatures. The candidate will also be expected to actively advise graduate students and manage research programs (including handling reporting and proposal writing).

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field is required by the start date.  Experience in the pump-probe techniques TDTR, FDTR and SSTR is required, with evidence of publications demonstrating the candidate’s familiarity with these techniques.  The candidate should have experience conducting thermal conductivity measurements via 3-omega as a function of temperature, including cryogenic temperatures below liquid nitrogen.  A strong publication record and postdoctoral experiences with nanoscale heat transfer and heat transfer measurement techniques are preferred.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UVAJobs/details/Senior-Scientist-in-Mechanical-and-Aerospace-Engineering_R0044948  and attach a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on March 13, 2023, but the positions will remain open until filled.  The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a three-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Patrick Hopkins, Professor, at peh4v@virginia.edu .

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@Virginia.edu.

The Flow Simulation Research Group at the University of Virginia are looking a self-motivated postdoc research associate with aptitude for conducting cutting-edge research on the computational analysis of bio-inspired locomotion for the application of underwater robotic systems. Strong programming and analytical skills are required with prior experience in immersed boundary methods, parallel computing, and bio-flow analysis.

The postdoc will work in a multidisciplinary environment and will collaborate with researchers from various universities. The postdoc is expected to engage in learning and research activities with high regard for your surroundings and ensure the preservation of a congenial work environment. Research progress will be monitored with monthly meetings and reports. The research work must culminate in publications in peer reviewed journals. Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English are desired. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A PhD degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required by the start date.  A strong background in more than one of the following is required: computational modeling of bio-inspired flows, immersed boundary methods, adaptive mesh refinements, high-performance computing, fluid-structure interaction, and modeling of odor tracking for biological systems.  

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UVAJobs/details/Research-Associate-in-Mechanical-and-Aerospace-Engineering_R0044819  and attach a cover letter, the most recent CV with a description of relevant experience, two most recent journal publications, and contact information for three references.  

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the CV box. 

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 year, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Haibo Dong, Professor, at hd6q@virginia.edu

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Faculty and Staff Search Advisor, 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 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia seeks candidates for Postdoctoral Research Associate positions to work in the lab of professor Hilary Bart-Smith.

Professor Hopkins is the director of the BIER Lab  which specializes in research of bio-inspired engineering, with an emphasis on underwater swimming and hydrokinetics.  We seek candidates for work on research related to fast, efficient swimming as it pertains to multibody swimming systems (i.e., fish schooling). Category of Professional Research Staff will be determined by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required by the start date.  Experience in bio-inspired robotics, hydrodynamics, control, and/or 3D particle image velocimetry techniques. A strong publication record and experiences with biological hydrodynamic performance and energetics are preferred.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The review of applications will begin on January 1, 2023, but the positions will remain open until filled.  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, one-year appointments, contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Hilary Bart-Smith, Professor, at hb8h@virginia.edu.