Postdoctoral Research Associate - Advanced Data Analytics, Modeling, and Control for Diabetes Technology

About the Position

The UVA School of Data Science and UVA Center for Diabetes Technology (CDT) at the University of Virginia invites highly motivated and qualified applicants for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. We are seeking individuals passionate about leveraging cutting-edge computational methods, including machine learning, dynamical systems analysis, and control theory, to revolutionize diabetes care and prevention. Successful candidates will contribute to pioneering projects aimed at creating transformative, patient-centric solutions for individuals with or at risk of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes). These positions offer a unique opportunity to work with rich physiological datasets, develop and validate innovative algorithms, and translate these advancements into clinical impact. All Postdoctoral Research Associates will report to Heman Shakeri, PhD, and collaborate closely with a world-renowned multidisciplinary team in diabetes technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct supervised and independent research applying computational and engineering principles to challenges in diabetes.
• Develop, implement, and test novel algorithms, models, and control strategies.
• Analyze complex, high-dimensional physiological and clinical trial data.
• Contribute to the design and execution of in silico studies and clinical research protocols.
• Prepare high-impact manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present findings at national/international scientific conferences.
• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• There are no direct patient care responsibilities; however, the role involves close interaction with clinical data and collaborators within the UVA School of Medicine.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Data Science, Engineering (Biomedical, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, Chemical), Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related quantitative field, completed at the time of hire.
• Strong publication record commensurate with experience, demonstrating original research contributions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Control Systems Theory: Adaptive control, model predictive control, robust control, system identification, extremum seeking control.
  • Dynamical Systems Analysis & Signal Processing: Time-series analysis, stability analysis, feature extraction from physiological signals.
  • Machine Learning / AI: Supervised/unsupervised learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, learning-based control, model validation.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in research (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Experience with physiological modeling and computer simulation (in silico studies), ideally related to metabolic systems.
• Experience in analyzing real-world physiological data, especially CGM or other dense biomedical sensor data.
• Knowledge of diabetes pathophysiology, diabetes technology (AID systems), or maternal-fetal health is advantageous but not strictly required.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication (written and oral) skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

Position Details

This position will remain open until filled. This is a full-time in-person position at the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The initial appointment is for one year; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional year contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance. This is an exempt level, benefited position. This position will sponsor work visas.

Anticipated Salary: $60,000

Anticipated Start Date: July 2025

Health and Other Benefits (visit Health and Other Benefits for additional information)

• UVA Health Plan: the choice between 3 different health plans
• Vision Coverage
• Dental Plan
• Benefit Savings Plans
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Paid Time Off: starting with 22 days of time off per year, 12 or more holidays, 8 weeks parental leave

Education Benefits (visit Education Benefits for additional information)

Full-time and part-time (20+ hours) employees in a benefits-eligible position are offered up to $5250 per calendar year (after your first six months of employment) towards a for-credit degree program or for-credit certificate program or (included in the $5250) up to $2000 per calendar year for professional development including job-related training, conferences, and initial certificate exams.

Application Process

Please visit the UVA job board: Careers at UVA Jobs and search for R0073316 .

Complete an application online and attach:

Cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to this position Resume or CV

Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Process for internal UVA applicants: Please apply through your Workday home page. Search “Find Jobs” and then R0073316 .

This position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt level, benefited position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future.

References will be completed via direct reach. Please plan to provide at least three references when applying.

A background check is required and will be conducted per university policy prior to the first day of employment.

For questions about the position, contact Heman Shakeri, Assistant Professor, at hs9hd@virginia.edu .

For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Human Resources Recruiter, at das6zb@virginia.edu .

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community, please see www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/ .

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Doctoral degree
Experience: None
Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.