Job Details

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Cardiac MRI
Type: Full-Time
Salary: $62,000 – $68,000 per year
Posted: 09/30/2025
Category: Biological Engineering
Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in cardiac MRI. The position will focus on preclinical MRI in mouse models of heart disease. Research will involve applying cardiac MRI to test mechanistic and therapeutic hypotheses in disease models, as well as developing new MRI methods, including pulse sequences and image reconstruction techniques. Current and planned research areas include obesity-related metabolic heart disease.

Projects may also involve the development of imaging approaches for myocardial perfusion, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular function, incorporating accelerated acquisition, reconstruction methods, and techniques to reduce motion artifacts due to breathing.

The postdoc will work in the laboratory of Frederick H. Epstein, PhD, Commonwealth Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Radiology and Medical Imaging, and will collaborate with Drs. Matthew Wolf and Amit Patel, cardiologists with expertise in cardiac MRI and heart failure.

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Biomedical Engineering or a related field, or an M.D. with research experience. Ideal candidates will have:

• Experience in preclinical imaging, particularly with mice.

• Skills in histology, tissue analysis, and an understanding of heart disease pathophysiology.

• Programming expertise in C, C++, MATLAB, and Python.

• Knowledge of MRI physics and pulse sequence programming (preferably Bruker systems).

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Postdoctoral appointments at UVA are temporary training roles, typically limited to those who earned their doctorate within the past five years, and designed to prepare researchers for independent careers.

Compensation and Terms
The anticipated salary range is $62,000–$68,000, consistent with NIH guidelines for postdoctoral researchers. This is an exempt-level, benefited position with medical and other employee benefits. The position is restricted and dependent on funding, initially appointed for one year with potential renewal for up to two years. Work will be fully on-site in Charlottesville, VA.

Application Instructions
Apply online by searching requisition number R0076909. Submit the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Contact information for three references

Upload all documents in the resume submission field (either combined as one PDF or uploaded separately). Incomplete applications will not receive full consideration. Application review will begin after October 9, 2025.

For questions, contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, at sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

About UVA
The University of Virginia is a public research institution located in Charlottesville, 45 minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains and 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C. Cardiac imaging research is a major focus across Cardiology, Radiology, the Cardiovascular Research Center, and Biomedical Engineering.

UVA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people from all backgrounds.