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Research Associate in Computer Science

Employer
University of Virginia
Location
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
View more categoriesView less categories
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

The University of Virginia, Department of Computer Science, is seeking applicants for a Research Associate (postdoctoral) position under the supervision of Professor Ferdinando Fioretto.

As a key member of the research team, the postdoctoral researcher will develop novel physics-constrained generative AI methods (diffusion models and flow matching) for real-time transmission-grid topology control. The researcher will design topology-agnostic diffusion models that generate diverse switching configurations from post-contingency grid states while satisfying network connectivity, N-1 security, and thermal limits. Concurrently, they will enhance their skills in teaching, mentoring, and proposal development.


The successful candidate will lead technical deliverables and manuscripts targeting top-tier machine-learning conferences and leading journals in power systems. The position offers an exceptional collaborative network spanning academia, industry, national laboratories.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A Ph.D. in computer science, electrical engineering, operations research, or a related field by the start date. The candidate should have a strong machine-learning research record, rigorous mathematical and experimental skills, and the ability to deliver high-quality results on short timelines. Expertise in one or more of the following is strongly preferred: generative or diffusion models, optimal power flow and power systems, graph neural networks, constrained or physics-informed machine learning. Proficiency with frameworks such as PyTorch is expected. Prior power-systems experience is highly beneficial.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online through UVA Jobs and search for requisition R0085429. Upload a current CV, a short statement describing the applicant's research background, interests, and fit, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on August 15, and 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; The appointment may be renewed for an additional year contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance. The successful candidate is expected to begin by September 1, 2026, or earlier.

For questions regarding this position, contact Ferdinando Fioretto, Associate Professor, at fioretto@virginia.edu.

For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, 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. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

Organization

In 1819, the University of Virginia established a new model for intellectual exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration in higher education. Two hundred years later, as a major research institution, we continue to challenge conventions, lead with ingenuity and advance knowledge for the common good.

What began as an innovative idea has become one of the nation’s leading public research universities, with over 21,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UVA also has over 3,000 full-time faculty offering more than 400 degrees.

Each of the University’s eleven schools has its own distinctive mission, working together to garner consistently high rankings—including #2 Best Value Public College (Princeton Review, 2016), #3 Public University in the Nation (U.S. News & World Report, 2016), and #3 Best Value Among Public Colleges (Kiplinger’s, 2016).  

As we invest in and strengthen our research capabilities, UVA seeks new faculty ready to uncover new insights, rewrite old rules and collaborate on intellectual discoveries.

RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS THAT CROSS DISCIPLINES

As an R1 institution, the University’s research centers, consortia and laboratories are on the leading edge of discovery and technology, offering collaborative spaces for students and faculty to solve global problems.

Our professors are recognized members of major national scholarly and professional organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Our faculty’s engagement in interdisciplinary research is being facilitated by new research institutes specializing in everything from big data to brain functioning, and by cluster hires across schools.

NATIONALLY RANKED HEALTH SYSTEM

UVA is also home to a nationally renowned academic medical center and the UVA Health System, which serves a three-part mission to treat patients, conduct translational research and train medical practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines.

Established as the nation’s 10th medical school in 1825, the institution has since grown to include a 612-bed hospital and a Level I trauma center, nationally recognized cancer and heart centers, a Children’s Hospital, and primary and specialty clinics throughout Central Virginia.

The UVA Medical Center is consistently ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by the U.S. News & World Report magazine and has been named among the top 25 percent in seven specialties.

INSPIRING STUDENTS, INSPIRED TEACHING

The vast majority of UVA students come from the top 10% of their high school class, as well as from all 50 states, over 142 countries and a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Despite their diversity, all UVA students share a love of learning and a drive to achieve.

One of the reasons students choose Virginia is our unique residential culture. At UVA, the community of students, faculty and staff personifies the Jeffersonian idea that living and learning are connected. The Academical Village was constructed to support a unique residential experience, with faculty living in the Pavilions, students occupying Lawn rooms and the world-famous Rotunda at its heart. The University’s residential culture continues to support this experience today—strengthened by students, faculty and staff rich in backgrounds, ideas and perspectives. Our unique culture is also paying dividends in innovation:  UVA’s faculty have generated more than 130 patents since 2010.

Perhaps most importantly, faculty come to UVA knowing that instruction is as important as research, and they pride themselves on their many teaching awards.  Our best professors look for ways to encourage, mentor and develop tomorrow’s leaders inside and outside the classroom.

LIFE IN CHARLOTTESVILLE

Living in Charlottesville you’ll find sophisticated restaurants, world-renowned wineries and breweries, cosmopolitan arts and music, friendly urban and suburban neighborhoods and a Piedmont landscape that has lured adventurous souls for centuries.  No wonder the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research named Charlottesville the “happiest city in America” in 2014.

In addition to UVA and its health system, several major employers have facilities in Charlottesville, including State Farm, Northrop Grumman, the U.S. Department of Defense, GE and others.  Charlottesville is also becoming a center for innovative start-up businesses.  The University also actively helps spouses and partners of faculty members build their networks and pursue employment opportunities with a wide variety of area employers. 

The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Company info
Telephone
434-985-4532
Location
2420 Old Ivy
Charlottesvle
Virginia
22911-7433
United States

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