Research Scientist in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia is seeking qualified candidates for a Research Scientist position in a newly established multidisciplinary research center. Research at the Center is focused on supercomputer simulations of extreme conditions experienced by hypersonic vehicles and quantifying the overall uncertainty. The candidate will assume the role of a software developer in the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Propulsion Laboratory, a participating lab in the Center. The research scientist will be responsible for the development and maintenance of predictive software components, support integration into the full system, and assist with full-system testing and analysis. The candidate can expect to work with a multidisciplinary and multi-university team involving engineers, computer scientists, and mathematicians constructing a full-system package comprising predictive software, data analytics, and machine learning. The candidate will work closely with and report to the Software Architect of the research Center led by Dr. Xinfeng Gao.

As a software developer, the candidate must work closely with the Software Architect in developing and implementing plans for integrating software libraries performing I/O, adaptive mesh-refinement, data assimilation, and AI/ML in a manner that supports the participation of postdocs and graduate students. The candidate may be expected to supervise other postdocs and mentor PhD students in aspects of software development and usage.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The candidate must have a Master’s or a PhD degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, or another related field by the start date. 2-5 years of research experience in computational engineering after obtaining the PhD degree is preferred. The candidate must be able to demonstrate a deep knowledge of supercomputing software development for massively-parallel computer architectures, and expertise in working with large-scale software designed for cutting-edge engineering applications. Additional requirements include proficiency with C++ and parallel programming models, experience developing complex simulation software as part of a multidisciplinary team, familiarity with best practices in software engineering, and efficacy at communicating and planning with computer-facility technical staff. Experience with algorithms for hydrodynamic-scale CFD or kinetic-scale particle methods such as Direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) is preferred. This position requires the candidate to be a U.S. person.

The salary and benefits offered will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidates. The anticipated salary range is $90,000 to $100,000.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0074540. Attach a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on August 20, 2025, but 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, and the appointment may be renewed contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Professor Xinfeng Gao (x.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 Scientists 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. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.