Research Associate, Department of Biomedical Engineering

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

Job summary

The University of Virginia’s Department of Biomedical Engineering seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop pulmonary MRI methods on a low-field 0.55T scanner, employing proton and hyperpolarized xenon imaging.

The position involves creating new pulse sequences, image reconstruction, and strategies to improve-resolution and contrast, with opportunities to present at conferences and publish in journals.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent doctorate is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop pulmonary MRI methods on a 0.55T scanner using proton and hyperpolarized xenon imaging.
• Create new MRI pulse sequences and image reconstruction techniques.
• Improve spatial resolution and contrast for lung MRI using spiral sampling and neural networks for denoising and motion compensation.

Education

Doctoral degree

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, and will collaborate with John P. Mugler III, PhD, Professor of Radiology and Medical Imaging, and with Adrienne Campbell-Washburn, PhD, Senior Investigator in the Laboratory of Imaging Technology at National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, within a day’s travel by car or train.

The 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. The research will include the following:

• Development of new MRI methods, including pulse sequences, and image reconstruction techniques
• Development of strategies to improve the 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 the 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 the 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

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Doctoral degree

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The anticipated hiring range is $62,000-$68,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after December 14, 2025.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Job Profile

J0267 - Research Associate - 12 Month

Career Stream and Level

No Career Stream-No Level

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.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Craig Meyer, [e-mail].

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, [e-mail].