Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Research Associate - School of Data Science

The School of Data Science at the University of Virginia and Professor Yong-Yeol (“YY”) Ahn, Quantitative Foundation Distinguished Professor, are excited to announce two professional research staff positions now open for qualified candidates.

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Research Scientist

This position offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of data science projects, including—but not limited to—network science, AI and machine learning, computational social science, and the science of science.

Responsibilities: • Conduct independent and collaborative research in data science. • Lead and contribute to grant proposals and funded research projects. • Develop, implement, and publish novel data-driven methods, models, analyses, and tools. • Collaborate with faculty, students, and external partners on interdisciplinary research. • Contribute to the intellectual community of the School of Data Science through seminars, workshops, and mentoring.

Minimum Qualifications: • Ph.D. in data science, computer science, informatics, statistics, network science, or a related field or master's degree with significant experience. • Strong record of research productivity, demonstrated through publications or equivalent contributions. • Expertise in one or more of the following: machine learning, network science, natural language processing, computational social science, causal inference, or science of science. • Strong software engineering and data visualization skills, as well as research communication skills to both technical and non-technical audiences. • Experience with large-scale data analysis and modern data science tools. • Good communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborative, interdisciplinary work.

Salary:

Expected salary range of $80K - $120K per year based on education and experience.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

This position will primarily work on projects in the science of science and visualization, with flexibility to explore related topics such as large language models (LLMs), interpretable embedding spaces, and network science.

Minimum Qualifications: • Ph.D. in computer science, data science, or a related field. • Effective written and verbal communication skills. • Proficient computer programming skills.

Preferred Qualifications: • Ability to work independently and collaboratively. • Excellent analytical and communication skills. • Experience with large-scale data projects. • Experience with LLMs. • Experience with building visualization systems.

Salary:

Expected salary range of $60K - $70K per year based on education and experience.

For Both Positions: General Considerations • Positions will remain open until they are filled. • Positions are exempt level and benefit eligible. • The university will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment.

Health and Other Benefits (visit Health and Other Benefits for additional information) • UVA Health Plan: the choice between 3 different health plans • Vision Coverage • Dental Plan • Benefit Savings Plans • Life Insurance • Disability Benefits • Paid Time Off: starting with 22 days of time off per year, 12 or more holidays, 8 weeks parental leave

Education Benefits (visit Education Benefits for additional information)

After six months of employment, full-time and part-time (20+ hours) employees in a benefits-eligible position are offered options of: • Use of up to $5250 per calendar year towards a for-credit degree program or for-credit certificate program • Use of up to $2000 of the total $5250 noted above per calendar year for professional development including job-related training, conferences, and initial certificate exams.

Application Process

Please apply online, and search for R0080731. Complete an application online with the following documents:  • Resume • Cover letter 

Upload all materials into the resume submission field; multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

References will be completed via direct reach. Please plan to provide at least three references with contact information when applying.

For questions about the positions or the application process, please contact Daniel Strong - Senior Recruiter, at das6zb@virginia.edu.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community, please see www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience.

Experience: None

Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

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.