Research Scientist in Biomedical Engineering
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics or a closely related quantitative field by the start date.
- Advanced training in differential equations, scientific computation, mathematical statistics, or related quantitative methods.
- Demonstrated experience developing mechanistic models of dynamic biological systems.
- 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.
- Strong publication record.
- Ability to work effectively with undergraduate and graduate students and collaborators from multiple disciplines.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
- 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.
- Evidence of independent scientific leadership through mentoring, grant writing, or the development of new research directions.
Responsibilities
- Develop, analyze, calibrate, and validate differential-equation-based models of the complete viral life cycle and associated host-cell responses.
- 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.
- Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, progress reports, grant proposals, and the mentorship of trainees.
Benefits
- Benefits available to research scientists at UVA
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
