The School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia is seeking qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in a newly established PSAAP IV predictive simulation center—Center for Stochastic Simulations of Ablative Geometries with Error-Learning in Space and Time (SAGEST). 

Research at the Center is focused on supercomputer simulations of extreme conditions experienced by hypersonic vehicles and quantifying the overall uncertainty. The candidate will assume the role of a software developer in the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Propulsion Laboratory, a participating lab in the Center. The Research Associate will be responsible for the development and maintenance of predictive software components, support integration into the full system, and assist with full-system testing and analysis. The candidate can expect to work with a multidisciplinary and multi-university team involving engineers, computer scientists, and mathematicians constructing a full-system package comprising predictive software, data analytics, and machine learning. The candidate will work closely with and report to the Software Architect of the research Center led by Dr. Xinfeng Gao.

As a software developer, the candidate must work closely with the Software Architect in developing and implementing plans for integrating software libraries performing I/O, adaptive mesh-refinement, data assimilation, and AI/ML in a manner that supports the participation of graduate students. The candidate may be expected to mentor PhD students in aspects of software development and usage.

Qualification Requirements: 

The candidate must have a PhD degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, or another related field by the start date, and research experience in computational engineering.

Preferred Requirements: 

The candidate must be able to demonstrate a deep knowledge of supercomputing software development for massively-parallel computer architectures, and expertise in working with large-scale software designed for cutting-edge engineering applications. Additional requirements include proficiency with C++ and parallel programming models, experience developing complex simulation software as part of a multidisciplinary team, familiarity with best practices in software engineering, and efficacy at communicating and planning with computer-facility technical staff. Experience with algorithms for hydrodynamic-scale CFD or kinetic-scale particle methods such as Direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) is preferred.

This position requires the candidate to be a U.S. citizen.

The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, with a starting base salary of $86,000/year. There will be a $3K relocation/start-up bonus.

Application Procedure: 

Apply online at the UVA Job Board and search for R0077534. Attach 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 on October 30, 2025, 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.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Xinfeng Gao, Professor, at [email protected].

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [email protected].

For more information on the benefits available to Research Associate 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. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia is seeking qualified candidates for PhD positions in a newly established multidisciplinary research center. Research at the Center is focused on supercomputer simulations of extreme conditions experienced by hypersonic vehicles and quantifying the overall uncertainty. Candidates will perform research in algorithm and software development in the CFD and Propulsion Laboratory, a participating lab in the Center.  

The candidates will be responsible for the development and maintenance of predictive software components, support integration into the full system, and assist with full-system testing and analysis. PhD students can expect to work with a multidisciplinary and multi-university team involving engineers, computer scientists, and applied mathematicians constructing a full-system package comprising predictive software, data analytics, and machine learning.  

All GRAs will attend conferences during the project time, such as AIAA SciTech Forum and/or Supercomputing. In addition, the students will spend at least one period of ten contiguous weeks collaborating at one of the three NNSA National Laboratories. 

We have several openings in the following research areas: 

1. Adaptive mesh refinement and scale-bridging using AI
2. Interactions of non-equilibrium dynamics and turbulence
3. Data assimilation with maximum likelihood ensemble smoother
4. Direct simulation Monte Carlo at rarefied hypersonic conditions
5. Ablation and radiation modeling
6. Applied numerical and mathematical analysis 

Nature of Positions: 

The positions are best suited for students who are adept at math, have strong interest in highly logistical programming, keep abreast of new computing architectures, and are passionate about aerospace engineering. Applications should include a demonstration of this interest; examples might include software development through work or studies, or hobbies such as programming games. The selected candidate will be funded throughout the PhD study. 

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: 

• B.S./M.S. in Aerospace Sciences & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics
• Strong and demonstrated interest in programming
• Background in CFD, computational methods, or computing
• Interpersonal communication skills necessary to work effectively in a team environment
• Good technical writing and oral presentation skills in English 

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: 

• Experience in the development of numerical algorithms for partial differential equations
• Experience with the design, implementation, deployment, and maintenance of software
• Experience with Linux and high-performance computing
• Experience with scientific computing applications 

Application:

These positions are open only to U.S. persons and do not offer visa sponsorship.  

Please apply online at https://www.virginia.edu/.  

Questions regarding these positions should be directed to Professor Xinfeng Gao ([email protected]).