Research Associate in Systems and Information Engineering

AI-Enabled Personalized Digital Health for Cancer Patients and Survivors

The Sensing Systems for Health (S 2 He) Lab and the Center for Behavioral Health and Technology at the University of Virginia invite applications for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead cutting-edge research in AI-driven digital health solutions for cancer patients and survivors. This position focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and passive behavioral sensing to monitor and assess mental health symptoms, and personalize interventions throughout the cancer journey. The successful applicant will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to develop software and computational models that leverage data from mobile devices like smartphones and smartwatches to deliver health interventions.

This position is funded by the UVA Precision Health Initiative (PHI), with a focus on using the tools of precision health to improve outcomes and reduce disparities for communities and populations.

This is a full-time, in-residence position based in Charlottesville, VA, with a preferred start date on or before August 1, 2025. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years total. The postdoctoral researcher will be housed in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, advised by Dr. Laura Barnes in The Link Lab, with co-mentorship from Dr. Philip Chow and Dr. Katharine Daniel at the Center for Behavioral Health and Technology in the School of Medicine.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead research initiatives focused on AI-driven symptom detection and behavioral health monitoring
• Design and implement innovative modeling approaches that integrate multimodal sensor data to support personalized health interventions
• Integrate wearable sensor data and patient self-report across the cancer care continuum
• Design, prototype, and evaluate patient-centered digital health technologies
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students involved in research
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across engineering, medicine, and behavioral science
• Lead the preparation and submission of manuscripts to top-tier journals and conferences
• Present research findings at seminars, academic conferences, and scientific meetings
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals and other research funding efforts

Qualification Requirement:

• Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, or closely related field
• Experience developing and deploying AI models for healthcare applications
• Strong programming skills in relevant languages (Python, R, etc.)
• Experience with mobile sensing platforms
• Knowledge of machine learning, data processing techniques and pipeline
• Publication record in relevant technical fields
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams
• Experience with research project management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with digital health tools and platforms
• Familiarity with HIPAA regulations and privacy-compliant research practices
• Background in streaming data analysis
• Experience using cloud computing and data storage platforms
• Track record of publications in high-impact scientific journals or conferences
• Experience contributing to or leading research grant applications
• Technical background in digital health technology design
• Experience mentoring student researchers or junior team members

Application Procedure:

Apply online at https://jobs.virginis.edu/us/en/job/R0071989 and attach a cover letter; the most recent CV with a description of relevant experience and publications;, and contact information for three references.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on May 16, 2025, and the posting will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional two one-year appointments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Laura Barnes, Professor, Associate Director of Link Lab at lb3dp@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 postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and 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. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.