Research Associate in Materials Science and Engineering

The Cai Soft Biomatter Laboratory (https://engineering.virginia.edu/faculty/liheng-cai) at the University of Virginia is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Researcher position in bioprinting/biomaterials. The project will be supported by a recently funded 5-year NIH MIRA grant, focusing on exploiting our voxelated bioprinting and molecular architecture-encoded modular bottlebrush-polymer-based biomaterials for understanding and controlling stem cell function in 3D. The candidate will gain closed-loop training integrating chemical synthesis, characterization, theory, and translation by working with a group of members consisting of chemists, materials scientists, biomedical engineers, physicists, and medical doctors. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with clinicians to directly apply the developed technology and biomaterials to clinical settings.

Additional responsibilities include managing laboratory facilities, performing measurements, updating equipment, developing procedures for operation and safety, supporting undergraduate/graduate research, and fielding questions regarding procedures. The successful applicant will also help guide students in measuring and analyzing their data and draft proposals, reports, and research papers. The appointment will be for one year, renewable upon satisfactory performance and funding.

Qualification Requirements: Candidates must have a PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date. Candidates with expertise in mechanobiology, drug delivery, and/or 3D cell culture are strongly encouraged to apply. However, qualified candidates with other backgrounds will also be considered. Good oral and written communication skills, as well as attention to detail and good record-keeping, are essential.

Application Procedure: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ and attach a one-page cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a one-page research statement, a 3-slide presentation that summarizes your previous work, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin October 7, 2024, and the position 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 one year, contingent upon satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Liheng Cai at liheng.cai@virginia.edu.

For questions regarding the application, please contact Rich 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, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.