Research Associate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Propulsion Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at University of Virginia is seeking a qualified candidate for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position.

Research in the laboratory focuses on high-performance computing (HPC) methods in CFD, advanced algorithm development, data assimilation and scientific machine learning. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced numerical algorithms for large-scale CFD modeling and simulations, including scalable solvers, domain decomposition methods, and data-driven and physics-driven learning techniques.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work as an algorithm developer within the CFD and Propulsion Laboratory and will be responsible for the development, implementation, and analysis of efficient numerical methods for next-generation CFD applications on HPC platforms.

Qualification Requirements

By the start date, applicants must have earned a PhD in Mathematics or Statistics or other related field, and be within 5 years post-PhD. Candidates should demonstrate research experience in a few of the following areas:

• CFD methods, numerical methods and analysis, stability analysis
• Scalable solvers, and domain decomposition methods
• C++ programming, parallel programming, GPU programming
• Stochastic partial differential equations (PDEs), stochastic processes and analysis
• Model reduction, surrogate model development
• Uncertainty quantification

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with additional expertise in:

• AI/ML
• Supercomputing
• Large-scale computational infrastructure and workflows
• Peer-reviewed publications in computational mathematics and/or computational/numerical methods

Salary

The anticipated hiring base salary is $53,000.

Application Procedure

Apply online through the UVA Job Board and search for position number R0083690.

Applicants should upload:

• A cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

Please note that multiple documents may be uploaded in the application portal.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on June 2, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment. Renewal is contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

Estimated salary range is $47,500 - $90,000, commensurate with experience.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Professor Xinfeng Gao at gao@virginia.edu .

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .

For more information on the benefits available to 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 .