Research Scientist in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia is seeking qualified candidates for a Research Scientist position.

We are seeking a qualified candidate with expertise in the research and development of pump-probe thermal metrologies and IR metrologies to support several research initiatives at the University of Virginia and in Professor Patrick Hopkins’ ExSiTE Lab. The candidate should have experience with infrared and visible ellipsometry and the ability to determine the optical constants of materials, including emissivity, as a function of temperature. Preferred candidates should also be familiar with pump-probe techniques to measure thermal and ultrafast optical properties of materials in the infrared to quantify heat transfer and polaritonic transfer mechanism in thin films. Experience in theoretical modeling of radiative heat transfer processes is also required. The candidate should demonstrate prior experience with collaborations and advising of students in research and paper publication.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A Ph.D. or a Master’s degree with significant experience in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or a related field is required by the start date. A Ph.D., and some (more than 1 year) of post PhD research experience is preferred. Additionally, the candidate must have a record of publications in the field of heat transfer and radiative heat transfer, including polaritonic/near field radiative heat transfer. The candidate must be able to work in team environment, mentor graduate students, lead new research initiatives and meet project goal deadlines/reports.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for three references.

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the CV box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on January 13, 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 additional one-year terms, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Patrick E. Hopkins, Professor, phopkins@virginia.edu .

For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich 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, 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, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.