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The School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks candidates for an Academic General Faculty (AGF) position, specializing in injury biomechanics and vehicle safety, for the Center for Applied Biomechanics (CAB) in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE). 

The primary responsibilities for this tenure-ineligible position include research and service to the department, university and professional community. The appointment rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Compensation is contingent upon experience. This position will be renewable by mutual agreement, and is contingent upon availability of funds.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead a dynamic team, develop and maintain an energetic and well-funded research program, advise MS and PhD students, and collaborate with the Center’s other researchers in continuing to lead the field of automobile safety, with a focus on injury biomechanics. 

The CAB is one of the largest university-based automobile safety and injury biomechanics research centers in the world.  It was founded in 1989 and has grown steadily since.  Currently the Center operates with a staff of approximately 50 researchers and support staff, including 8 Principal Investigators from SEAS and the School of Medicine, in a dedicated, state-of-the-art, 35,000 ft2 facility with world-class computational, experimental, mechanical, and biological resources. UVA and SEAS have made it a priority to encourage interdisciplinary research, and the Research Professor will strategically position the Center's automobile safety research programs and enhance CAB’s reputation as a world-leader in the field.  This position will also benefit from new opportunities in Engineering, Health and Cyber-Physical Systems across grounds to provide transformational investments in the quality of UVA's research.

This position is based in Charlottesville at our principal location.  UVA is a highly selective undergraduate and graduate institution that annually ranks as one of the premiere public universities in the United States, with one of the highest graduation rates in the nation. UVA is situated in Charlottesville, Virginia, a picturesque and vibrant small city consistently recognized as one of the nation's top places to reside. UVA's location offers proximity to Washington D.C., enriching opportunities for collaboration and engagement with numerous federal organizations. More information about the city, the school, faculty benefits and other topics can be found at https://hr.virginia.edu/careers-uva/why-uva.

Candidates must possess a PhD in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, or a closely related field, and be internationally recognized for research excellence in injury biomechanics and automobile safety.  This can include areas such as

• active, passive, and integrated safety,


• the biomechanics of injury prediction and mitigation,


• vehicle crashworthiness and structural response to impact,


• finite element analysis and human body modeling.  

Candidates must have a proven record of mentorship, including graduate students.  The candidates who have a proven record of extramural research funding and experience in managing such projects are preferred.  Preference will also be given to candidates who have experience in an academic setting and a demonstrated record of collaborative relationships across engineering departments, with other universities, and with medical school researchers.

Apply for this position in Interfolio. Provide the following in PDF format:

• Cover letter that summarizes your areas of research/scholarship, and areas of potential collaboration at the University of Virigina. To help us organize our review of applications, please also specifically list your primary areas of research in boldface at the top of your letter;


• Curriculum vitae;


• A statement describing your current research, future directions and broader impacts;


• A statement describing demonstrated contributions to fostering inclusive practices that create climates in which all stakeholders can achieve their maximum potential (please focus on skills and experience, not beliefs and opinions);


• A single file that includes two research papers that best represent your work.

You will also request 3-5 references directly in Interfolio by providing names and contact information in the application. These reference requests will be generated immediately once you submit your application.

Review of application will begin on February 28, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. The University will perform background checks on all new faculty hires prior to making a final offer of employment.

For questions about this position, please contact Richard Kent, Search Committee Chair, at rwk3c@virginia.edu.