Postdoctoral Research Associate Optical Imaging Laboratory

Virginia Commonwealth University - College of Engineering; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University - College of Engineering seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Optical Imaging Laboratory. The role focuses on developing near-infrared optical/thermal imaging devices and applying them to clinical contexts.

The successful candidate will work with engineers and clinicians across multiple disciplines. The ideal candidate has a PhD in Biomedical or Electrical Engineering, strong Matlab/Python skills, expertise in biomedical optics, and a track record in

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering and/or Electrical Engineering or related fields.
• Proficiency in Matlab and Python, biomedical optics, and machine learning.
• Ability to mentor junior team members and ensure laboratory safety.
• Excellent communication and a strong publication/presentation record.

Responsibilities

• Develop and expand near-infrared optical/thermal imaging devices.
• Test, validate and apply imaging technology in clinical contexts.
• Collaborate with a broad network of engineers and scientists across domains.
• Intend to extend postdoc duration if funding allows and manage project timelines.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Biomedical optics

Electrical design

Machine learning

Clinical imaging

Mentoring

Communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Job description

At VCU, we take pride in our deep commitment to our postdoctoral community. In 2026, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) named VCU as one of only 12 recipients of its inaugural Institutional Policy Awards, in recognition of our transformative efforts to elevate quality of life and workplace equity for postdocs.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, candidates to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate - Optical Imaging Laboratory position.

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduate and 450 graduate students in several degree programs supported by more than 600 full-time, part-time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city of Richmond, and commitment to respect and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

Position Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to develop and expand upon a diversified technical skill set while making a positive contribution to optical and thermal imaging technology development and its relevant clinical applications.

Research projects for this position will involve developing near-infrared optical/thermal imaging devices, testing, validation and clinical application. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biomedical optics, electrical circuit designs, device optimization, extensive Matlab and python programming skills, machine learning applications, clinical imaging experience, and strong statistical background. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in Matlab/python coding and opto-electronic medical device design and optimization. In this position, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with a vast network of scientists and engineers across engineering and medical schools.

Please note, this position is intended to be approximately 5 to 6 months in duration. However, postdoc roles at VCU can be extended if funding becomes available.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, and/or Electrical Engineering; or related fields.
• Matlab/python coding, biomedical optics, electrical engineering design, machine learning, clinical imaging.
• Ability to mentor junior team members and ensure the highest levels of laboratory safety.
• Excellent communication skills and a good publication and presentation record.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and short turnaround times
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a postdoc at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Optical phantom design and development
• Smartphone-based and hand-held optical imaging technology design, development and validation
• Hand-held or portable multi-modal imaging technology design and development

About The College Of Engineering

Additional information about the department’s programs and faculty may be found at https://egr.vcu.edu/departments/biomedical-engineering/.

VCU postdocs are Virginia state employees, with benefits mirroring 12-month faculty. We adhere closely to the NPA’s guidelines for best practices in postdoc training. We work closely with our local NPA chapter, the VCU Postdoc Association, to make this a welcoming and productive place to complete your training!

Unit: College Of Engineering MBU

Department: Biomedical Engineering

Salary Range: $50,000 to $55,000 per year

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information

Contact Name: Emily Perrault

Contact Email: [e-mail]