Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering

Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Associate to work in the Barker laboratory (Extracellular Matrix Biology and Engineering Laboratory). The work in the Barker Lab requires advanced experimental and computational expertise. While the postdoctoral position's responsibilities will involve combined experimental and computational work, the position emphasizes the innovation, development and application of Advanced Biomanufacturing, Tissue Engineering, and Microphysiological Systems/Lab-on-a-Chip methods and approaches toward the creation of fully human disease tissue model systems for drug screening and future hypothesis-driven mechanistic exploration.

Additionally, the projects in the Barker lab focus on a new research thrust in retinal degenerative diseases including inherited retinal diseases. As such, the postdoc will be able to handle the workload and perform (and train other lab members in) their respective computational and experimental techniques to answer key questions in retinal biology, though experience in retinal biology is not a prerequisite.

The postdoc will be expected to mentor, as appropriate, undergraduate and interact with graduate students, other postdocs and senior scientists, establish new application-specific methods, combine computational methods, as appropriate, with tissue engineering/organ-on-a-chip design, and contribute to grant applications and publications. The successful candidate will have demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, be an independent thinker unafraid of risk and demonstrate the potential to actively/proactively contribute to the growth/expansion of lab capabilities beyond the current state.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with strong experience across multiple areas of the following: tissue culture, microfabrication, 3D bioprinting, stem cell biology, molecular biology, retinal biology, NGS bioinformatics/transcriptomics, and computational modeling/machine learning.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Apply online at  and search for R0085249. Attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address). Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

Final date to receive applications:
Review of applications will begin on July 27, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. Estimated Salary range is $62,000 - $68,000, commensurate with experience. This is a one-year appointment, with possible renewal at one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions about this position, contact Tom Barker, Professor,  questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter,  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. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.