Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Research Associate - School of Data Science

The School of Data Science at the University of Virginia and Professor Yong‑Yeol Ahn, Quantitative Foundation Distinguished Professor, are excited to announce two professional research staff positions now open for qualified candidates.

This position offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of data science projects, including but not limited to network science, AI and machine learning, computational social science, and the science of science.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in data science.
• Lead and contribute to grant proposals and funded research projects.
• Develop, implement, and publish novel data‑driven methods, models, analyses, and tools.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and external partners on interdisciplinary research.
• Contribute to the intellectual community of the School of Data Science through seminars, workshops, and mentoring.

• Ph.D. in data science, computer science, informatics, statistics, network science, or a related field or master’s degree with significant experience.
• Strong record of research productivity, demonstrated through publications or equivalent contributions.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: machine learning, network science, natural language processing, computational social science, causal inference, or science of science.
• Strong software engineering and data visualization skills, as well as research communication skills to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience with large‑scale data analysis and modern data science tools.
• Good communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborative, interdisciplinary work.

Expected salary range of $80,000 – $120,000 per year based on education and experience.

This position will primarily work on projects in the science of science and visualization, with flexibility to explore related topics such as large language models (LLMs), interpretable embedding spaces, and network science.

• Ph.D. in computer science, data science, or a related field.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer programming skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Experience with large‑scale data projects.
• Experience with LLMs.
• Experience with building visualization systems.

Expected salary range of $60,000 – $70,000 per year based on education and experience.

• Positions will remain open until they are filled.
• Positions are exempt level and benefit eligible.
• The university will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment.

• UVA Health Plan: choice between three different health plans
• Vision Coverage
• Dental Plan
• Benefit Savings Plans
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Paid Time Off: starting with 22 days of time off per year, 12 or more holidays, 8 weeks parental leave

After six months of employment, full‑time and part‑time (20+ hours) employees in a benefits‑eligible position are offered options of:

• Use of up to $5,250 per calendar year towards a for‑credit degree program or for‑credit certificate program
• Use of up to $2,000 of the total $5,250 noted above per calendar year for professional development including job‑related training, conferences, and initial certificate exams.

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.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.