Research Scientist in Biomedical Engineering

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Associate to work in Dr. Evan Scott’s laboratory (NanoSTAR Institute). This position will focus on developing 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, perform computational and theory-guided mathematical modeling, 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.

Required Qualifications

A PhD biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, polymer chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field is required by the start date. Experience with nanomedicine and/or nanomaterials development as well as experience with cell culture, animal models, and flow cytometry will be a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong preference will be given to applicants with experience in

characterizing self-assembled nanomaterials and/or lipids using analytical chemistry methods, development of drug delivery platforms for vaccination and/or immunotherapy.

Application Procedure

Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0084605. and attach the following materials: (1) a cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) contact information for three professional references (letters will be requested later).

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.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on July 22, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Additional Information

• The position is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.
• This is an exempt-level, benefited position with an anticipated salary range of $70,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

For questions about the position, please contact Evan Scott, Ph.D., Professor of Biomedical Engineering, der4yt@virginia.edu .

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, rkh6j@virginia.edu.

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

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

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 .