Research Scientist in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The University of Virginia, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, is seeking a highly motivated applicant to join the Center for Applied Biomechanics (CAB) as a Research Scientist.

The CAB is a globally recognized research center dedicated to advancing safety through rigorous biomechanics research. CAB integrates experimental testing, computational modeling, and real-world crash data analysis to advance the understanding of human injury mechanisms and to improve protection systems across automotive, sports, and military environments. Internationally recognized as a leader in injury biomechanics, the center studies how the human body responds under impact conditions and translates this knowledge into effective injury prevention strategies.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct a combination of computational analyses and experimental investigations in automobile safety, vehicle crashworthiness, and in injury biomechanics
• Supporting team efforts to apply for and obtain competitive research funding support
• Publish results in high-impact journals
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

Minimum requirements:

• PhD or a master's degree with significant experience in mechanical or a related engineering discipline by the start date.

Preferred candidates will have:

• Demonstrated ability in finite element modeling, particularly with the LS-Dyna or VPS solver

• Experience in crash/impact simulations and the development of vehicle, dummy, and human body models, including the Global Human Body Models Consortium (GHBMC) and the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) models;
• Expertise in the field of automobile safety and injury biomechanics
• Experience in numerical model creation including laser scanning and medical image segmentation to obtain 3-d geometries, and the use of HyperMesh or similar software to mesh these geometries for use in finite element modeling

• A demonstrated record of academic publishing and conference presentations
• Superior oral and written communication skills.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online athttps://jobs.virginia.edu/usand search for R0082660. Attach the following documents: 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 onMay 13, 2026, 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.

For questions about the position, please contact Bronek Gepner, Research Assistant Professor, at bg5ah@virginia.edu

For questions regarding the application, please contact Rich 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. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.