Postdoctoral Associate

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's STRETCH Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research in computational biomechanics and data-driven modeling within a multidisciplinary women’s health program. The role involves developing models, integrating data, validating predictions, and publishing findings while mentoring students and collaborating with faculty and postdoctoral researchers.

The successful candidate will contribute to model development, data analysis, and dissemination through

Qualifications

• PhD awarded no more than four years prior to appointment with at least one year remaining
• Experience in computational mechanics or biomechanics
• Experience with scientific programming (Python/MATLAB/C/C++) and publications

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement computational models of biological tissues
• Integrate experimental and computational data for validation
• Contribute to publications and presentations
• Mentor students involved in related research activities

Skills

Computational modeling

Scientific programming

Scholarly communication

Independent work

Mentoring

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

Job Description

The STRETCH Lab at Virginia Tech seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research in computational biomechanics and data-driven modeling as part of a multidisciplinary research program in women’s health. The successful candidate will develop and implement computational models of biological tissues, analyze and integrate experimental and computational data, contribute to model validation and predictive modeling efforts, and work collaboratively with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students. The candidate will also contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations and will assist in mentoring students involved in related research activities.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Computational Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.


• Demonstrated experience in computational mechanics, biomechanics, or computational modeling.


• Experience with scientific programming using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar computational tools.


• Demonstrated record of scholarly research, including peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong scientific writing skills and ability to communicate research findings clearly and effectively.


• Strong oral presentation skills, with experience presenting research to scientific or technical audiences.


• Ability to work independently, take ownership of research activities, and contribute effectively to collaborative research.


• Ability to work effectively with undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to their research training and mentoring.


• Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.


• Experience in one or more of the following areas: soft tissue biomechanics, constitutive modeling, finite element analysis, parameter estimation, uncertainty quantification, or data-driven modeling.


• Experience developing and validating computational models.


• Experience integrating experimental data with computational models.


• Experience preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.


• Experience presenting research at scientific conferences or professional meetings.


• Previous experience mentoring or supervising undergraduate or graduate researchers.


• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$62,232 commensurate with qualifications and experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

September 14, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto,Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive communitydedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges, aschool of medicine, aveterinary medicinecollege,Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension officesand research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Amanda Collinsat [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.