Research Associate in Chemical Engineering

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia, Vecchiarello Lab, seeks a postdoctoral associate for an industry-collaboration project focusing on protein chromatography. The role involves high-throughput experimentation, modeling, and regular sponsorship updates.

Opportunities to present at conferences and build an industrial-academic network are included. Responsibilities include learning chromatographic methods, adsorption measurements, and developing mechanistic models in Matlab, Python, or GoSilico to predict

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely-related field by start date.
• Experience with scripting/programming and developing microscale models for process unit operations.
• Demonstrated scientific ability through publications and conference presentations.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team.
• Motivated to learn new skills and take on challenges.

Responsibilities

• Work on an industrial collaboration with a large pharmaceutical manufacturer to understand transport and adsorption in protein chromatography.
• Implement high-throughput experimentation and modeling to reach project milestones.
• Provide regular progress updates to the sponsor and participate in conference presentations.
• Learn to measure protein adsorption isotherms and transport parameters in chromatographic resin.
• Design preparative and analytical chromatography processes for new protein biologics and predict performance with mechanistic models in Matlab, Python, or GoSilico.

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely-related field

Tools

Matlab

Python

GoSilico

Job description

University of Virginia | Department of Chemical Engineering | Vecchiarello Lab

Job Description: We are seeking to fill a postdoctoral associate position for a highly motivated and driven candidate in the Vecchiarello Lab as a part of an industrial collaboration project focused on protein chromatography. This is an excellent opportunity for an interested candidate to learn and practice a variety of industrially-transferrable skills including operation of chromatographic equipment (FPLC/Akta Pure, automated liquid handling systems, and HPLC/UHPLC). Further, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to grow a strong industrial and academic network by attending and presenting at conferences, and by providing regularly updates to our industrial sponsor.

Primary Responsibilities: The chosen candidate will work on an industrial collaboration with a large pharmaceutical manufacturing company, focused on improving fundamental understanding of transport and adsorptive phenomena in protein chromatography. The candidate will implement a combination of high-throughput experimentation and modeling to achieve project milestones. Additionally, the candidate will provide regular project progress updates to the company sponsor. Within this role, the selected candidate will learn to measure protein adsorption isotherms, protein transport parameters in chromatographic resin, design preparative and analytical chromatographic purification processes for new protein biologics, and predict chromatographic performance by leveraging existing and new mechanistic column models in Matlab®, Python®, or GoSilico® software package suites.

Qualifications

Minimum Education Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely-related field by the start date.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Technical background in large biomolecules upstream (e.g. microbial fermentation, mammalian cell & virus culture) and/or downstream (e.g. harvest, filtration, chromatography, conjugation) unit operations.
• Experience with scripting/programing, and/or developing and implementing microscale models process unit operations.
• Demonstrated scientific ability through publications and presentation in scientific conferences.
• Ability to effectively and clearly communicate researching findings, results, and analysis
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on August 22, 2026 and the posting will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Estimated Salary range is $57,000 - $60,000, commensurate with experience.

This is a one-year appointment that may be renewed for up to two additional one-year terms, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Professor Nick Vecchiarello at [e-mail].

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail].

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 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.