Research Scientist in Biomedical Engineering

Go VCE; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia's Department of Biomedical Engineering seeks a Research Scientist to develop mechanistic, data-informed models of intracellular RNA virus infection in human cells. You will integrate differential-equation models with time-course data to clarify virus-host interactions and identify rate-limiting steps in the viral life cycle.

Responsibilities include calibrating and validating models, applying advanced parameter-estimation and uncertainty-quantification methods, and

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics or related quantitative field required.
• Experience developing mechanistic differential-equation models of dynamic biological systems.
• Ability to construct and analyze intracellular RNA virus infection models; experience with parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, R, or Python; strong scientific writing and publication record.
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and collaborate across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop, analyze, calibrate, and validate differential-equation-based models of the complete viral life cycle and host-cell responses.
• Integrate mathematical models with time-course, dose-response, and perturbation data.
• Apply parameter-estimation, identifiability, sensitivity-analysis, uncertainty-quantification, and model-selection methods; formulate biologically grounded model assumptions and parameterization strategies.
• Collaborate with experimental and quantitative investigators; contribute to peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, progress reports, grant proposals, and mentorship of trainees.
• Communicate model findings and develop new research directions in multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Differential equations

MATLAB

Python

R

Scientific computing

Uncertainty quantification

Scientific writing

Collaboration

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics or related quantitative field

PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

R

Python

Job description

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Scientist to work in the Janes laboratory on computational and systems bioengineering approaches to RNA virus infection.

The position will focus on developing mechanistic and data-informed mathematical models of intracellular RNA virus infection in human cells. The research will integrate computational modeling with quantitative experimental data to clarify virus-host interactions, identify rate-limiting steps in the viral life cycle, generate experimentally testable hypotheses, and evaluate potential antiviral strategies.

The Research Scientist will develop, analyze, calibrate, and validate differential-equation-based models of the complete viral life cycle and associated host-cell responses. The successful applicant will integrate mathematical models with time-course, dose-response, and perturbation data; formulate biologically grounded model assumptions and parameterization strategies; apply parameter-estimation, identifiability, sensitivity-analysis, uncertainty-quantification, and model-selection methods; collaborate with experimental and quantitative investigators; and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, progress reports, grant proposals, and the mentorship of trainees.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Master’s or a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics or a closely related quantitative field is required by the start date. Applicants should have advanced training in differential equations, scientific computation mathematical statistics, or related quantitative methods. Required qualifications include demonstrated experience developing mechanistic models of dynamic biological systems; the ability to construct and analyze differential-equation-based models of intracellular RNA virus infection; experience with parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification, including likelihood-based, Bayesian, or Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods; proficiency in MATLAB, R, or Python; strong scientific writing and oral communication skills; a strong publication record; and the ability to work effectively with undergraduate and graduate students and collaborators from multiple disciplines.

The following experience is preferred: a PhD is preferred, broad knowledge of virology, cell biology, immunology, and human disease mechanisms; formal medical or biomedical training, with an M.D. degree considered a plus; experience modeling virus-host interactions; the ability to synthesize experimental findings and published literature to develop model assumptions and parameterization strategies; familiarity with molecular and cellular biology methods such as RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopy, cell culture, and animal models; experience coordinating multi-investigator collaborations; and evidence of independent scientific leadership through mentoring, grant writing, or the development of new research directions.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $70,000 - $85,000 commensurate with education and experience.

This is a one-year appointment, and the appointment may be renewed contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Kevin Janes, [e-mail].

For questions regarding the application, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at [e-mail].

For more information on the benefits available to research scientists 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 .