Social Contagion in Human Systems Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Network Systems Science & Advanced Computing (NSSAC) Division of the Biocomplexity Institute at the University of Virginia is seeking motivated, enthusiastic, self-driven candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The Research Associate will join the Contagion Science and Technology Program, a prestigious new strategic research initiative funded by the University of Virginia through its Prominence-to-Preeminence STEM Targeted Initiatives Fund. The Biocomplexity Institute 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.

The incumbent will have a unique opportunity to explore the application of computing and data sciences at the interface of computational modeling and social sciences. Co-mentorship by experienced principal investigators from the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Biocomplexity Institute will provide unique interdisciplinary working and learning environments.

The new Contagion Science team member 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 modeling at single or multiple levels of scale of individual behaviors and interactions will provide the technical and theoretical basis to better address the interconnected nature of contagious phenomena. The ideas developed as a part of this program are expected to support the development of theories for understanding large-scale networked complex systems. Strong candidates will have research interests in use cases such as epidemics and pandemics; social epidemiology; diffusion/containment of behaviors/information in large social networks; public health policy; modeling and simulations; and/or interdisciplinary science.

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 the Postdoctoral Research Associate to gain experience in effective engagement and project management with the research community.

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

The University of Virginia’s Biocomplexity Institute (BI) is located at the UVA Discovery Park: 994 Research Park Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA. BI offers a flexible hybrid workplace, and a balance of in-person and remote work for each employee. All team members must have access to and maintain a safe home office environment with high-speed internet service and work collaboratively with colleagues using a variety of technologies and tools. Due to the collaborative nature of our work, team members are expected to be present and attend team meetings and other critical functions in person. Depending on the needs of the group, or as deemed by the team manager, team members may be required to work periodically in open offices, meeting rooms or other shared workspaces.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in a social or behavioral science field (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.
• Similar or related fields will also be considered.
• 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 social science data sets
• Strong programming and data analytical skills
• Proven simulation/modeling/analysis experience
• Evidence of prior work/interest in social or behavioral sciences

To apply, complete an application online through Workday and attach the following:

• Cover letter conveying your particular areas of interest in computational social sciences
• Summary of coursework (completed and current, if applicable)

• Research statement describing previous work and potential future research directions

• CV and list of references

In addition to a competitive salary, the Contagion Science program will provide generous Conference and Research Travel funds

*** Please note that multiple documents MUST be uploaded into the CV/Resume box. Applications not containing all the required documents will not receive full consideration. ***

Process for External Applicants: Please apply through Workday, and search for R0039657 .

Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs,” and search for R0039657 .

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. 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.

Questions related to the position may be directed to Savanna Galambos, Special Assistant for Administrative Affairs, skh7b@virginia.edu . Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter 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.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visitthe UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpageprior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirementsandguidelines for employment at UVA.

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.