Research Associate, Department of Biomedical Engineering

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering to develop pulmonary MRI methods. This role requires a PhD awarded within the last five years. The successful candidate will collaborate across interdisciplinary teams and contribute to innovative MRI research.

Key responsibilities include developing methodologies for MRI imaging and preparing results for publication. The position offers a salary range of $62,000–$68,000 and requires full-time, on-site work in Charlottesville, VA.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering or a closely related field, awarded within the previous five years.
• Full-time research commitment and ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Development of new MRI methods, including pulse sequences and image reconstruction techniques.
• Development of strategies to improve spatial resolution and image contrast of structural lung proton MRI.
• Development of methodology for hyperpolarized xenon imaging.
• Optimization of methodology for hyperpolarized xenon imaging of xenon dissolved in the membrane and red blood cell compartments.
• Preparation of research results for presentation and publication.

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering or a closely related field

Job description

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will work in the lab of Craig H. Meyer, PhD, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, collaborating with John P. Mugler III, PhD, Professor of Radiology and Medical Imaging, and Adrienne Campbell-Washburn, PhD, Senior Investigator at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, within a day’s travel by car or train.

Research Focus

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will focus on developing pulmonary MRI methods on a low‑field (0.55T) scanner using both conventional proton and hyperpolarized xenon magnetic resonance imaging.

Responsibilities

• Development of new MRI methods, including pulse sequences and image reconstruction techniques.
• Development of strategies to improve spatial resolution and image contrast of structural lung proton MRI using efficient spiral sampling and neural networks for denoising, motion compensation, and data analysis.
• Development of strategies to improve spatial resolution and image contrast of structural lung proton MRI using spin‑echo‑train pulse sequences, possibly including efficient spiral sampling.
• Development of methodology for hyperpolarized xenon imaging, for the first time at this MRI field strength, including characterization of physical properties.
• Optimization of methodology for hyperpolarized xenon imaging of xenon dissolved in the membrane and red blood cell compartments of the lung.
• Preparation of research results for presentation at major conferences, publication in peer‑reviewed journals, and inclusion in grant reports.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering or a closely related field, awarded within the previous five years.

Full‑time research commitment and ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams.

Compensation

Salary range: $62,000–$68,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Employment Details

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and normally limited to individuals who have earned a PhD or equivalent within the previous five years. The position is exempt‑level and requires full‑time, on‑site work in Charlottesville, VA.

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