Research Associate or Research Scientist, Department of Biomedical Engineering

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Associate or Research Scientist to work in Dr. Evan Scotts laboratory (NanoSTAR Institute). Level will be determined by qualifications. This position will focus on the s ynthesis, drug loading, & characterization of nanocarriers targeting specific cell populations. The Scott lab develops immunomodulatory nanomaterials for the rational design of immunotherapies for cancer, allergy, and infectious disease.

The applicant will be expected to interact with graduate students, synthesize polymers, assembled drug-loaded nanoparticles, characterize materials, and contribute to publications.

The available postdoctoral position will involve collaborative efforts between the Scott lab and leading pharmaceutical corporations as well as multiple academic collaborators investigating a broad range of disease models. The objective of the project is to develop and optimize nanocarrier formulations for targeted modulation of specific immune cell subsets via controlled delivery of diverse, and often novel, therapeutic molecules. The applicant will be responsible for synthesizing, characterizing, and optimizing block copolymers and their assembly into diverse polymeric drug delivery vehicles. Focus will be placed on synthesis and analytical chemistry, not on in vitro or in vivo validation.

Expertise in polymer synthesis and HPLC and a PhD in a relevant field will be required, while experience with cell culture, animal models, and flow cytometry will be a plus. Strong preference will be given to applicants with experience in 1) characterizing self-assembled nanomaterials and/or lipids using analytical chemistry methods, 2) development of drug delivery platforms for vaccination and/or immunotherapy. An ideal candidate will have a doctorate in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, polymer chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field and will be interested in working with novel drug delivery platforms. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist who is willing to work in top-quality, high-pressure, multi-disciplinary environments for a minimum of 2 years. The position is available immediately. Our work is progressing rapidly, and we are seeking enthusiastic and ambitious individuals to add to our team to perform high-impact translational research with both industry and academic partners.

The position is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period.

Minimum Qualification for Research Associate:

Education: Doctoral degree

Minimum Qualification for Research Scientist:
Education: Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience.

Physical Demands
This job will require polymer synthesis that will require standing and working at a fume hood and laboratory bench. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

Application review will begin after August 5, 2025 and the positin will remain open until filled.

A background check and pre-employment health screening will be conducted prior to employment.

This position will consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship who meet the minimum qualifications.

Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0074146. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching Find Jobs.

Reference checks will be completed by UVAs third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the position, please contact Evan Scott, Ph.D., Professor of Biomedical Engineering, ... .

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, ... .

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 UVAs commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.