Research Associate in Systems and Information Engineering

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Systems and Information Engineering Department at the University of Virginia is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to a large Multi-University Research Initiative examining variability in judgment and decision making.

Responsibilities include designing and conducting laboratory and simulation studies, developing interventions to improve decision making, analyzing data, and contributing to literature reviews and manuscripts.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in systems engineering, industrial engineering, human factors, cognitive psychology, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Experience designing and conducting human-subject experiments in laboratory, simulation, or virtual environments.
• Experience developing or evaluating interventions such as decision-support tools, interface designs, training methods, or information-presentation strategies.
• Knowledge of judgment and decision making, human factors, cognitive engineering, or decision making under uncertainty.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and statistical programming in R, Python, or comparable software.
• Ability to work independently, take intellectual ownership of a research project, and mentor graduate or undergraduate researchers.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory and simulation-based studies.
• Develop and evaluate interventions to improve decision making.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to literature reviews, conference presentations, and manuscript preparation.
• Collaborate with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines.

Skills

Quantitative data analysis

Statistical programming (R/Python)

Independent research

Mentoring researchers

Education

Ph.D. in systems/industrial/human factors or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

The Systems and Information Engineering Department at the University of Virginia is seeking a Research Associate. The candidate will contribute to a large Multi-University Research Initiative examining variability in judgment and decision making.

Responsibilities will include designing and conducting laboratory and simulation-based studies, developing and evaluating interventions to improve decision making, analyzing experimental data, and contributing to literature reviews, conference presentations, and manuscript preparation. The candidate will collaborate with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in systems engineering, industrial engineering, human factors, cognitive psychology, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one accepted first-author publication in a related peer‑reviewed journal or conference proceeding.
• Experience designing and conducting human‑subject experiments in laboratory, simulation, or virtual environments.
• Experience developing or evaluating interventions such as decision‑support tools, interface designs, training methods, or information‑presentation strategies.
• Knowledge of judgment and decision making, human factors, cognitive engineering, or decision making under uncertainty.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and statistical programming in R, Python, or comparable software.
• Ability to work independently, take intellectual ownership of a research project, and mentor graduate or undergraduate researchers.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on August XX, 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 $60,000 - $65,000, 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 Matt Sinclair at [e-mail].

For questions regarding the application process, 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.