Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering

Dr. Billingsley’s Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and NanoSTAR Institute at the University of Virginia is seeking to hire a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and assess novel nanoparticle platforms for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Research in the lab focuses on the interaction of nanoparticle platforms and immune cells, the impact of sex on these material-cell interactions, and the engineering of therapies and immunotherapies to treat sex-specific diseases including ovarian cancer. As a member of this new and growing lab, this postdoctoral role would include the development of foundational assays and approaches to evaluate the effect of nanoparticle systems on different cell populations.

Postdoctoral Research Associates will manage their own projects, interact with other lab members and collaborators, present their work at lab meetings and conferences, and contribute to grant applications and manuscripts for publication. Candidates will be expected to learn new techniques and share their skillsets with others in lab. The position is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

 Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field by the start of the appointment
• Experience in one or more of these areas:
  • Drug delivery including the synthesis, formulation, and characterization of lipid or polymer nanoparticles
  • Cell culture including maintaining cell lines and isolating immune cell populations
  • In vivo work including mouse handling, cancer models, and survival studies
• First author publication(s)
• Ability to work in a team setting, both providing and receiving mentorship
• Experience conducting independent research including experimental design and data analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with one or more of the following: flow cytometry, ELISAs, qPCR, sequencing, western blots, and design of experiments
• Experience troubleshooting new methods and developing protocols
• Experience with and further interest in mentoring trainees
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong scientific communication skills

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0087228.  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.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on September 19, 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 $60,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience.

This is a one-year appointment, with renewal contingent upon job performance and continuation of funding.

For questions about the position, please contact Maggie Billingsley, Assistant Professor, at knh6kg@virginia.edu.

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

For 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.