Research Associate in Systems and Information Engineering

The University of Virginia Systems & Information Engineering Department invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on advancing AI-driven personalized digital technologies for health and well-being.

The position will be based in the Link Lab, UVA's interdisciplinary center for cyber-physical systems and intelligent technologies and will involve close collaboration with the Digital Technology Core (DTC) within UVA Research Computing, as well as with faculty and research labs across the University. The Postdoctoral Researcher will co-develop scalable, ethical, and adaptive digital technologies for real-world deployment in human-subjects research.

This role will contribute to the design and development of next-generation AI systems that adapt to individuals through multimodal data from mobile, wearable, and environmental sensors. The successful candidate will create and deploy models that integrate machine learning, signal processing, and large language models (LLMs) to infer user context, personalize digital interventions, and improve health outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate across UVA and the Link Lab to advance projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence, health, and human behavior.
• Partner with the Digital Technology Core (DTC) to design, deploy, and scale personalized digital technologies and data analytics pipelines that support multimodal sensing and adaptive interventions.
• Contribute to DTC strategic planning discussions on developing the software infrastructure required to support personalized AI models in human-subjects research.
• Develop and evaluate AI and large language models (LLMs) for adaptive, context-aware personalization in behavioral and health applications.
• Lead and co-author publications in top-tier journals and conferences spanning computing, health informatics, and human-centered AI.
• Present research findings at academic, clinical, and professional venues to engage multidisciplinary audiences.
• Support proposal and grant development, contributing to the creation of interdisciplinary research initiatives and external funding opportunities.

Qualification Requirement:

• Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, or closely related field
• Experience developing and deploying AI models for healthcare applications
• Strong programming skills in relevant languages (Python, R, etc.)
• Experience with mobile sensing platforms
• Knowledge of machine learning, data processing techniques and pipeline
• Publication record in relevant technical fields
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams
• Experience with research project management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with digital health tools and platforms
• Familiarity with HIPAA regulations and privacy-compliant research practices
• Background in streaming data analysis
• Experience using cloud computing and data storage platforms
• Track record of publications in high-impact scientific journals or conferences
• Experience contributing to or leading research grant applications
• Technical background in digital health technology design
• Experience mentoring student researchers or junior team members

Application Procedure:

Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a cover letter; the most recent CV with a description of relevant experience and publications, and contact information for three references.

Application Deadline:

Review of applications will begin on October 27, 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; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional two years, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Laura Barnes, Professor, Associate Director of Link Lab at lb3dp@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard 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. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.