Research Associate in Electrical & Computer Engineering

VS-Postdoc; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia is seeking a Research Associate in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering to develop microsystems for bioassays as part of a collaborative NIH-funded project. Applicants should possess a PhD in Engineering, preferably in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics. Key responsibilities include designing integrated microfluidic systems to test patients for drug compatibility. Candidates should have experience in mechanical fabrication and electronic design, with additional skills in bioanalytical methods preferred. This full-time position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, preferably in Electrical, Mechanical or Mechatronics.
• Experience in mechanical fabrication, electronic subsystems design, and systems integration required.
• Desired experience in bioanalytical science, microfluidics, biological sample preparation, and microsystems design.

Responsibilities

• Develop microsystems for bioassays in collaboration with experts in neuroscience.
• Contribute to the development of an integrated microfluidic system for patient testing.

Skills

Mechanical fabrication

Electronic subsystems design

Systems integration

Bioanalytical science

Microfluidics

Biological sample preparation

Biosensing

Microsystems design

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Python

C++

Fluid dynamics modeling

Data analytics

Education

PhD in Engineering or related field

Job description

Research Associate in Electrical & Computer Engineering

2026-04-23

Type: Full-Time

Posted: 1 day ago

Category: Mechanical Engineering; +1

The University of Virginia's (UVA) Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) in a joint project with the Department of Chemistry (CHEM) invites applications for a Research Associate focused on a microsystem's integration project for bioanalytical applications. This Research Associate under the supervision of Prof. Nathan Swami (ECE) will develop microsystems for bioassays in collaboration with Prof. Jill Venton for pharmacogenomic screening of patients for eventual application of the instrumentation in physician offices.

The group of Nathan Swami is a leader in microfluidic system integration for cellular and biomolecular analysis, and the group of Jill Venton is a leader in emerging analytical tools for neuroscience. This NIH funded project leverages the strengths of these groups towards development of an automated and integrated microfluidic system for in-office testing of patients for drug compatibility based on their cytochrome P450 genome signature.

Qualification Requirements

Candidates must have a PhD in Engineering, preferably Electrical, Mechanical or Mechatronics or related field by the start date. Experience in mechanical fabrication, electronic subsystems design, and systems integration is required, while experience in bioanalytical science, microfluidics, biological sample preparation, biosensing and microsystems design (using AutoCAD or SolidWorks) is desired. Preferred qualifications include experience with coding (e.g., Python, C++), modeling fluid dynamics (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics) and methods for data analytics involving large biological datasets.

Application Procedure

Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0082255. Attach a cover letter indicating your research interests in this area, a detailed curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This one-year appointment on a multi-year funded project may be renewed for additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Nathan Swami, 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.