Postdoctoral Research Associate in Contagion Science | Biocomplexity Institute

The Biocomplexity Institute (BI) at the University of Virginia integrates scientific research - from genetic sequencing to policy analysis - to tackle the complex task of understanding massively interacting systems and predict solutions to issues impacting human health, well-being, and habitat. We collaborate across many disciplines to discover connections between health, information networks, security, and infrastructure. The foundation of our methodology lies in information biology - the synthesis of mathematics, computation, informatics, and biology. We approach complex problem solving by assembling teams of experts in a variety of fields to work together to create solutions that challenge the very fields in which the teams operate.

To learn more visit: https://biocomplexity.virginia.edu

The Role.

The Institute (BI) is seeking motivated, enthusiastic, self-driven candidates for Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. This position is eligible to work a hybrid schedule with a combination of in office and remote work.

Postdoctoral Research Associates will join the Contagion Science Program, a prestigious strategic research initiative funded by the University of Virginia through its Prominence-to-Preeminence STEM Targeted Initiatives Fund. BI serves as the program’s organizing unit through a broad and comprehensive partnership with the University of Virginia Schools of Engineering and Applied Science, Data Science, Medicine, and the College of Arts & Sciences.

Incumbents will have a unique opportunity to explore the application of computing and data sciences at the interfaces of computational modeling, public health and medicine, as well as social sciences. Co-mentorship by experienced principal investigators from the participating schools and BI will provide unique interdisciplinary working and learning environments.

To learn more about the Contagion Science Program visit: https://biocomplexity.virginia.edu/ and https://contagion-science.virginia.edu/ .

Responsibilities and Duties:

The new Contagion Science team members will contribute to the creation and promulgation of a research roadmap that leverages new and existing theoretical frameworks, engineering techniques, and data science tools. The ideas developed as a part of this program are expected to support the development of theories for understanding large-scale networked complex systems.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to: participating in unique learning and professional development experiences including the creation of themes for the research roadmap; leading the organization of workshops and other program relevant meetings; and supporting the collaboration of existing and potential program partners such as government agencies, industries, and researchers. This collective exposure allows Postdoctoral Research Associates to gain experience in effective engagement and project management with the research community.

Requirements.

• PhD in a Social/Behavioral Science, Epidemiology/Biology or similar and related fields (e.g., Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, Social Epidemiology/Behavioral Medicine, Anthropology, Neuroscience) with an emphasis on computational modeling, mathematical analysis or PhD in computer science/math/statistics/physics/data science with an application in social/behavioral/transdisciplinary science.
• The selected candidate must hold a PhD at the time of appointment
• Programming fluency in a general-purpose programming language (e.g., python, julia, R, C) is required

Preferred Qualifications.

• Experience working with diverse types of data sets
• Strong programming and data analytical skills
• Proven simulation/modeling/analysis experience
• Evidence of prior work/interest in social or behavioral sciences
• Additionally, strong candidates will have research interests in use cases such as epidemics and pandemics; social epidemiology; diffusion/containment of behaviors/information in large networks; public health policy; modeling and simulations; and/or interdisciplinary science.

Benefits.

Time Off: In addition to 11-15 paid holidays depending on the calendar year, the flexible University Leave program offers employees 22-30 days per year depending on years of service. UVA employees also receive the additional benefit of 16 hours of paid leave per year for public service to contribute to the community.

Parental Leave & Care: The Paid Parental Leave policy offers eight weeks of paid leave to employees who have been employed by UVA for 12 consecutive months. UVA also offers access to a backup care program for child and eldercare.

Pay: UVA provides market-based compensation that recognizes competitive starting pay, merit increases, promotional opportunities, rewards, and recognition.

Recognition: Our culture encourages care and recognition for one another. We aim to measure, improve, reward, and celebrate individuals and team performance.

Health: Our health plan options are designed to support a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. Multiple choices allow you to assess your medical needs and choose the best plan while achieving a balance of low premiums and maximum flexibility for health, vision, and dental.

Wellness: UVA cares about your good health. Our programs encompass tools to help you emotionally, physically, and financially.

Career Development : Our culture of lifelong learning promotes an education benefits program that provides tuition toward your next degree, academic certificate program, or relevant professional development expenses. We will support you in your current role and foster development throughout your lifelong career.

Retirement : Choose from excellent options as we partner to invest in your future. VRS offers a defined benefit + defined contribution plan, with UVA matching up to 3.5% for the Hybrid plan. Or choose ORP, a defined contribution plan based on tax-deferred accumulations. You contribute 5%, UVA contributes 8.9%

Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA , and search for R0060453 .

Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs’ or through their ‘Jobs Hub’. Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. This is an Exempt-level benefitted position. This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. This is a one-year appointment; however, appointment may be renewed for an additional two, one-year increments, contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued available funding, and business need.

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

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. This position also requires an Education Verification (FSAKA).

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, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.