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The Tang Lab at the University of Virginia is recruiting fully funded PhD students and Postdoctoral Research Associate (both start as early as possible) to study how the multiscale structure of load-bearing tissues governs their mechanics, fatigue, and failure.
Our group works at the intersection of biomechanics, materials science, and advanced 3D characterization. Current projects include NSF-funded study of stress fracture mechanics in human bone and related work on the damage tolerance of soft-hard tissue interfaces such as the disc-vertebra junction. We combine organ-level mechanical testing, confocal and electron microscopy, FIB-SEM 3D nanoscale imaging, quantitative image analysis, and multiscale modeling, with an eye toward both musculoskeletal health and bioinspired material design.
Students and postdocs in our group work with world-class facilities, including the UVA Center for Applied Biomechanics (https://engineering.virginia.edu/cen...d-biomechanics), one of the leading injury biomechanics labs in the world, and core imaging facilities such as the Nanoscale Materials Characterization Facility (https://engineering.virginia.edu/NMCF) for advanced electron microscopy.
PHD POSITIONS: We welcome applicants with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, materials science, or related fields who are excited about hands-on experimental research. Prior experience with materials characterization (SEM/FIB-SEM, confocal), mechanical testing, or quantitative image analysis is a plus; an M.S. degree with demonstrated research experience is preferred but not required. Positions are fully funded (stipend + tuition + health insurance). Exceptional candidates able to start in Spring 2027 are especially encouraged to reach out soon, as spring application deadlines are in early fall; Fall 2027 applicants are equally welcome.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: We seek a self-motivated researcher with strong hands-on and quantitative skills. A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is required by the start date. A strong background in more than one of the following is required: FIB-SEM or electron microscopy of biological/structural materials, 3D image processing and segmentation (including ML-based approaches), mechanical testing of tissues or composites, and multiscale structure-mechanics analysis. The postdoc will help mentor graduate students and publish in peer-reviewed journals; excellent written and spoken English is expected. This is a one-year appointment, renewable contingent upon funding and performance.
TO APPLY/INQUIRE: Email Toni.Tang@virginia.edu with (1) a brief statement of interest, in which you briefly describe your hands-on experience with the specific instruments or testing systems you have personally operated, (2) your CV, (3) one or two representative publications (postdoc applicants), and (4) up-to-date transcript, (5) contact information for two to three references. Please use the subject line "PhD Application — [Your Name]" or "Postdoc Application — [Your Name]". PhD applicants must also apply through the UVA Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering graduate admissions portal.
Please share with students and colleagues who may be a great fit!
Our group works at the intersection of biomechanics, materials science, and advanced 3D characterization. Current projects include NSF-funded study of stress fracture mechanics in human bone and related work on the damage tolerance of soft-hard tissue interfaces such as the disc-vertebra junction. We combine organ-level mechanical testing, confocal and electron microscopy, FIB-SEM 3D nanoscale imaging, quantitative image analysis, and multiscale modeling, with an eye toward both musculoskeletal health and bioinspired material design.
Students and postdocs in our group work with world-class facilities, including the UVA Center for Applied Biomechanics (https://engineering.virginia.edu/cen...d-biomechanics), one of the leading injury biomechanics labs in the world, and core imaging facilities such as the Nanoscale Materials Characterization Facility (https://engineering.virginia.edu/NMCF) for advanced electron microscopy.
PHD POSITIONS: We welcome applicants with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, materials science, or related fields who are excited about hands-on experimental research. Prior experience with materials characterization (SEM/FIB-SEM, confocal), mechanical testing, or quantitative image analysis is a plus; an M.S. degree with demonstrated research experience is preferred but not required. Positions are fully funded (stipend + tuition + health insurance). Exceptional candidates able to start in Spring 2027 are especially encouraged to reach out soon, as spring application deadlines are in early fall; Fall 2027 applicants are equally welcome.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: We seek a self-motivated researcher with strong hands-on and quantitative skills. A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is required by the start date. A strong background in more than one of the following is required: FIB-SEM or electron microscopy of biological/structural materials, 3D image processing and segmentation (including ML-based approaches), mechanical testing of tissues or composites, and multiscale structure-mechanics analysis. The postdoc will help mentor graduate students and publish in peer-reviewed journals; excellent written and spoken English is expected. This is a one-year appointment, renewable contingent upon funding and performance.
TO APPLY/INQUIRE: Email Toni.Tang@virginia.edu with (1) a brief statement of interest, in which you briefly describe your hands-on experience with the specific instruments or testing systems you have personally operated, (2) your CV, (3) one or two representative publications (postdoc applicants), and (4) up-to-date transcript, (5) contact information for two to three references. Please use the subject line "PhD Application — [Your Name]" or "Postdoc Application — [Your Name]". PhD applicants must also apply through the UVA Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering graduate admissions portal.
Please share with students and colleagues who may be a great fit!