Research Associate in the Center for Applied Biomechanics

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tang Lab at the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore how the multiscale structure of load-bearing tissues governs their mechanics and failure.

The candidate will conduct cutting-edge experiments using FIB-SEM and 3D imaging, engage in multiscale modelling, mentor graduate students, and publish in peer‑reviewed journals. A one-year appointment, renewable subject to funding, is offered in Charlottesville, VA.

Qualifications

• PhD completed by start date in a relevant field.
• Substantive hands-on experience with FIB, FIB‑SEM, or advanced SEM.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multiscale structure–mechanics research.
• Mentor graduate students and publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with UVA facilities on nanostructured tissue mechanics.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Hands-on microscopy

Multiscale mechanics

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Materials Science

Tools

FIB/SEM

Python

MATLAB

ImageJ/Fiji

Job description

The Tang Lab at the University of Virginia is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study how the multiscale structure of load-bearing tissues governs their mechanics and failure of load-bearing biological tissues.

Our group works at the intersection of biomechanics, materials science, and advanced three-dimensional characterization. Current projects include an NSF-funded study of stress-fracture mechanics in human bone and related research on the damage tolerance of soft-hard tissue interfaces, including the disc-vertebra junction.

Our research combines organ-level mechanical testing, confocal and electron microscopy, FIB-SEM three-dimensional (3D) nanoscale imaging, quantitative image analysis, and multiscale modelling, with applications to musculoskeletal health and bioinspired material design. The research also combines advanced electron microscopy techniques, mechanical testing, and AI-driven image analysis, with current projects focused on human bone and soft-hard tissue interfaces.

Postdocs in our group work with world-class facilities, including the UVA Center for Applied Biomechanics, a leading injury-biomechanics laboratory, and the Nanoscale Materials Characterization Facility for advanced electron microscopy.

The successful candidate will be a self-motivated researcher with strong hands-on and quantitative skills and will contribute to multiscale structure-mechanics research, mentor graduate students, and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualification Requirements

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, completed by the start date.
• Substantive hands‑on experience with FIB, FIB-SEM, or advanced SEM.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong background in more than one of the following areas: electron microscopy of biological or structural materials; 3D image processing and segmentation, including machine-learning-based approaches; mechanical testing of tissues or composites; and multiscale structure-mechanics analysis.
• Candidates with hands‑on experience in lamella preparation, or related FIB workflows are also encouraged to apply
• Experience with 3D image reconstruction, segmentation, Python/MATLAB, ImageJ/Fiji, Dragonfly, Avizo, and machine learning.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Timing

• Exceptional candidate who can start as early as possible is encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
• Review of applications will begin on September 28, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Salary

• The anticipated salary is $65,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience.

Appointment Terms

• This is a one-year appointment, renewable contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

Applicants Should Include

• A brief statement of interest describing the specific instruments or testing systems the applicant has personally operated.
• A current curriculum vitae including all journal publications.
• One or two representative publications, for postdoctoral applicants.
• Contact information for two to three references.

Contact

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Dr. Tang at: [e-mail]

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

For more information on the benefits available to a Research Associate at UVA, visit 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.