Research Associate

Job Description

The Therapeutic Ultrasound Lab at Virginia Tech is an internationally renowned group advancing technologies for focused ultrasound surgeries. The lab works across a broad translational spectrum of fundamental science, engineering, and translational studies to move these technologies from bench to clinic. We are seeking a highly talented and motivated research engineer to design, build, characterize, and maintain novel therapeutic ultrasound systems to support research and development to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions with focused ultrasound.

The appointed research engineer will be tasked with designing novel ultrasound electronics and transducers for applications researching both veterinary and human medicine. Additionally, they will further work to integrate this hardware with image-guided feedback including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging systems. They will further be expected to test and develop novel methods to manufacture ultrasound hardware and evaluate its performance through acoustic and electrical testing to meet specific standards. These systems will be deployed in preclinical and clinical research in collaboration with teams both within the Virginia Tech community and abroad. The researcher will also be responsible for developing and maintaining both standard and custom equipment for ultrasound hardware development.

The ideal candidate will possess significant knowledge in physical acoustics and in the design and construction of high-power ultrasound transducers and associated electronics. Experience and expertise in therapeutic ultrasound, acoustic metrology, ultrasound imaging, and beamforming are also desirable. Outstanding interpersonal skills (ability to work in a transdisciplinary team and foster collaborative relationships), research and engineering project management skills, and ability to serve as an educational resource for students and other members of the group are highly beneficial. This position has a 2-year term and may be extended based on project needs and performance.

Required Qualifications

- M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline, or B.S. with equivalent experience in research or industry in a relevant technical field in lieu of the advanced degree.
- Demonstrated technical knowledge of power ultrasound transducers, RF electrical systems, piezoelectric devices, and ultrasound transducer characterization and performance testing.
- 3 years of experience designing, fabricating, testing, and operating high-power ultrasound transducers and associated electronics.
- Demonstrated proficiency with radiofrequency electrical and acoustic measurement techniques and instrumentation.
- 3 years of experience planning and independently managing research or engineering projects, including technical planning, execution, and documentation.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating on multidisciplinary engineering, scientific, or clinical research teams.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience developing diagnostic ultrasound arrays and cavitation sensing techniques.
- Experience operating ultrasound imaging systems and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems.
- Demonstrated proficiency in MATLAB, C/C++, Python, or other engineering programming languages.
- Experience with hardware description languages (Verilog, VHDL) and FPGA-based system development.
- Experience developing graphical user interfaces for scientific or engineering applications.
- Demonstrated experience independently managing multiple concurrent engineering or research projects.
- Experience authoring, presenting, or contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications, conference proceedings, technical reports, or related research communications.
- Demonstrated knowledge of international standards applicable to medical ultrasound systems and associated testing methodologies.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

starting at $80,000; salary commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

08/26/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.