Design Researcher, The Natural Infrastructure Lab - The School of Architecture

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher - The Natural Infrastructure Lab

Company: UVA Health (University of Virginia)

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Research / Environmental Design / Landscape Architecture

Date Posted: August 3, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical component of the Natural Infrastructure Lab (NIL) at UVA's School of Architecture, focusing on design research for innovative coastal infrastructure.

• The Design Researcher will contribute to advancing the design, planning, and management of natural infrastructure solutions for East Coast bays and estuaries.

• The position involves a blend of fieldwork, advanced modeling (physical and digital), literature review, and representation (drawing, writing) within a collaborative research environment.

• This is a full-time, on-site position based in Charlottesville, VA, with potential for travel for fieldwork and workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Researcher," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role within the specialized field of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design, specifically focused on natural infrastructure and coastal resilience. The "UVA Health" organization mention in the input data appears to be a misclassification from the source system, as the detailed description clearly places this role within the University of Virginia's School of Architecture. The role requires a unique blend of design, scientific inquiry, and technical proficiency, making it a specialized position within the broader research and design landscape.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive fieldwork to document and analyze existing coastal landscapes, their forms, and ecological processes.

• Synthesize research findings into detailed drawings, maps, and analytical reports.

• Critically review scientific literature, engineering reports, and landscape design projects related to coastal infrastructure.

• Develop and advance innovative infrastructure design concepts, focusing on natural and nature-based solutions.

• Construct, operate, and maintain large-scale physical models for design testing and visualization.

• Learn and apply numerical coastal models, including wave and hydrodynamic simulations, to assess design performance.

• Create high-quality renderings and visualizations of natural infrastructure concepts in specific site contexts.

• Contribute to the preparation of research articles for peer-reviewed publication and technical reports for agencies and stakeholders.

• Assist with drone surveying activities, including training and potential licensure support.

• Participate actively in design workshops with stakeholders, multi-university project teams, and lab members.

• Collaborate with Lab Manager Ruby Zielinski and Associate Professor Brian Davis on project execution and research advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on, research-driven approach, integrating theoretical design with practical application and scientific analysis. The inclusion of physical and numerical modeling, alongside traditional landscape architectural representation, highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required. A Master's degree in a relevant field will be considered in lieu of experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in landscape architectural representation software, including Adobe Creative Suite (CS), Rhino 3D, and ArcGIS.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct fieldwork and analyze landscape forms and processes.

• Strong organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple tasks and research components.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with diverse project teams and stakeholders.

• Curiosity, motivation, and a proactive approach to learning new methodologies and technologies.

• Comfort with quantitative analysis of landscape form and process. Preferred Skills:

• Degree in Landscape Architecture or a closely related discipline.

• Experience with design research, specifically integrating aesthetic, cultural, and ecological dimensions of landscapes.

• Familiarity with nature-based infrastructure design and/or design for dynamic landscapes shaped by water, sediment, and vegetation interactions.

• Experience with digital modeling software and GIS mapping.

• Experience in writing project proposals and/or grant applications.

• Experience with research-by-design methodologies.

• Excellent written communication skills for academic and agency reporting.

• Prior project management experience or substantial experience as a member of large, interdisciplinary project teams.

• Experience or willingness to learn drone surveying techniques.

• Familiarity with wave and hydrodynamic coastal models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills section is crucial for candidates to understand the ideal profile. Proficiency in specific software (Adobe CS, Rhino, ArcGIS) is explicitly stated, along with a strong foundation in design research methodologies and an understanding of ecological and cultural integration in landscape design. The ability to learn and apply technical modeling is also a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio demonstrating a strong ability to conceptualize and visually represent coastal designs and natural features within complex environmental conditions.

• Showcase of technical detail and understanding of landscape systems, particularly those involving water, sediment, and vegetation.

• Evidence of research-by-design methodologies, illustrating the iterative process from concept to developed design.

• Examples of analytical drawings, maps, and renderings that communicate complex spatial and ecological information effectively.

• Projects that highlight an integration of aesthetic, cultural, and ecological considerations. Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of research processes, including fieldwork, literature review, modeling, and synthesis.

• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, including how they approach problem-solving, iterate on ideas, and integrate feedback.

• Examples of how data (scientific, ecological, cultural) was used to inform design decisions are highly valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is specific: "no more than 10 pages," emphasizing conciseness and impact. It needs to showcase both conceptual design thinking and technical execution relevant to coastal natural infrastructure. The emphasis on depicting "natural features in complex conditions" and "small-scale technical details" is critical for portfolio curation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The anticipated hiring range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits:

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position.

• Benefits include access to UVA's comprehensive benefits package, which typically includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

• While primarily sedentary and computer-based, the role involves occasional travel for fieldwork and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. The "Benefited position" indicates standard university employee benefits. The "restricted position" status means employment is contingent on funding availability and has a term limit of one year, with potential for extension. This is a critical detail for candidate expectations regarding job security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Research / Architecture & Design

Company Size: Large (University System)

Founded: 1819 (University of Virginia)

Team Structure:

• The Natural Infrastructure Lab (NIL) is co-directed by Brian Davis and Michael Luegering within the Department of Landscape Architecture at UVA.

• The Design Researcher will work closely with Lab Manager Ruby Zielinski and Associate Professor Brian Davis.

• The role involves collaboration with faculty, PhD candidates, and potentially students within the Department of Landscape Architecture, as well as external partners from other universities (Auburn, University of Pennsylvania) and agencies (US Army Corps of Engineers).

• The Department emphasizes design excellence, theory, cultural landscapes, post-industrial lands, and work with vulnerable communities. Methodology:

• NIL operates at the intersection of art, science, and engineering, employing landscape architectural methods.

• Research methodologies include fieldwork, physical and digital modeling, literature review, mapping, drawing, and writing.

• Emphasis is placed on "Engineering With Nature" principles for coastal resilience and ecosystem health.

• The department fosters a research community with diverse faculty interests and ongoing PhD research.

Company Website: https://arch.virginia.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of the School of Architecture and the Department of Landscape Architecture is vital. The NIL's focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and its alignment with the department's ethos of design excellence and social/environmental responsibility are key cultural indicators.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Mid-Level Research position within a specialized design and environmental field. It is suitable for individuals with foundational experience looking to deepen their expertise in natural infrastructure and research-by-design.

Reporting Structure: The Design Researcher will report to the Lab Manager and Associate Professor, with close collaboration with the co-directors of NIL. This structure suggests direct guidance and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The work directly contributes to advancing scientific understanding and design solutions for critical environmental challenges, specifically coastal resilience and ecosystem health. The research outputs can influence policy, engineering practices, and future landscape design strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in specialized areas like coastal infrastructure design, hydrodynamic modeling, and research-by-design methodologies.

• Gain experience working on large-scale, federally funded projects (e.g., US Army Corps of Engineers).

• Develop skills in drone surveying, advanced digital and physical modeling, and scientific communication.

• Potential to contribute to publications and present research at conferences.

• Opportunity to work within a respected academic research environment with potential for further academic or research-focused roles.

• Training and licensure support for drone surveying offer a specific skill advancement path.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are strongly tied to skill development within niche areas of landscape architecture and environmental research. The "restricted position" nature implies that long-term career growth within UVA might require securing further funding or transitioning to different roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University Research Lab / Academic Department

Office Location(s): Charlottesville, VA (On-site)

Workspace Context:

• The role is primarily sedentary, involving extensive use of desktop computers for modeling, analysis, and representation.

• It will involve physical work in the lab for model building and maintenance.

• Access to lab facilities, modeling equipment, and university computing resources is expected.

• The environment is collaborative, requiring interaction with lab members, faculty, and external project partners.

• Occasional travel is required for fieldwork and workshops, suggesting a dynamic work setting beyond the lab. Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.

• While standard hours are expected, flexibility may be required for fieldwork or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a blend of desk work, hands-on lab work, and field research, requiring adaptability. The "fully on-site" requirement is firm.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes, cover letters, and portfolios against minimum and preferred qualifications.

• Portfolio Review: Detailed assessment of the submitted 10-page portfolio for design quality, technical proficiency, and relevance to coastal natural infrastructure.

• First Round Interviews: Likely with Lab Manager Ruby Zielinski and/or Associate Professor Brian Davis. Focus on design thinking, research experience, software proficiency, and understanding of the NIL's work.

• Technical/Skills Assessment (Potential): May involve a discussion of specific technical skills (modeling, GIS) or a small design/analysis exercise.

• Final Round Interviews: Potentially with other faculty members or department heads. Focus on cultural fit, long-term research potential, and ability to contribute to the lab's collaborative environment.

• Reference Checks: Conducted by a third-party partner (SkillSurvey) during the final phase, requiring at least three responses from five requested references.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Conciseness is Key: Strictly adhere to the 10-page limit. Each page must be impactful and relevant.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals (drawings, renderings, diagrams, photos of models) to convey your skills.

• Illustrate Process: Include diagrams or brief descriptions that show your design thinking and research methodology. How did you arrive at your solutions?

• Highlight Coastal/Natural Infrastructure: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your understanding of water, landforms, ecological systems, and design interventions in these contexts.

• Technical Detail: Include examples of technical drawings, model construction, or data analysis that showcase your proficiency with relevant software (Rhino, ArcGIS, Adobe CS) and modeling techniques.

• Narrative Flow: Ensure your portfolio tells a coherent story about your capabilities and interests.

• Tailor to NIL: Explicitly connect your portfolio work to the Natural Infrastructure Lab's mission and project types.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with the required software (Rhino, ArcGIS, Adobe CS) and any experience with coastal or hydrodynamic modeling.

• Think about specific examples from your past projects that demonstrate your ability to integrate aesthetic, cultural, and ecological factors in design.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of "research-by-design" methodologies and how you approach complex problem-solving.

• Consider how you would contribute to a collaborative research environment and work with diverse teams.

• Be ready to articulate your interest in natural infrastructure and coastal resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates must prepare a highly curated and visually strong portfolio that directly addresses the specific requirements of the role and the lab's focus.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Representation Software:

  • Rhino 3D: Essential for advanced 3D modeling, crucial for digital modeling and design concept development. Expect questions about proficiency and specific modeling techniques.
  • Adobe Creative Suite (CS): Critical for rendering, graphic design, image manipulation, and final presentation graphics. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is likely expected.
  • ArcGIS: The industry standard for Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and spatial analysis. Essential for understanding site context, analyzing environmental data, and creating base maps.

Analytics & Reporting:

• GIS Software (ArcGIS): Used for spatial data analysis, environmental mapping, and site assessment.

• Scientific Literature Databases: Access to academic journals and research repositories for literature review.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with basic data analysis tools or statistical software may be beneficial for interpreting model outputs and field data.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this research-focused role, as it's not sales or marketing-oriented. The focus is on research and design tools. Specialized Tools:

• Physical Modeling Materials & Tools: For building large-scale physical models.

• Coastal/Hydrodynamic Models: Candidates are expected to learn and apply these; prior familiarity is a plus. Examples might include Delft3D, ROMS, or similar.

• Drone Surveying Equipment: Training will be provided, but familiarity with drone operation and data processing is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The key software proficiency (Rhino, Adobe CS, ArcGIS) is explicitly mentioned and should be highlighted on resumes and in portfolios. The willingness and ability to learn specialized modeling tools are also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working across art, science, and engineering disciplines to solve complex problems.

• Research Excellence: Commitment to rigorous research methodologies, data-driven insights, and contributing to academic knowledge.

• Design Innovation: Pushing the boundaries of design thinking to create novel and effective solutions for environmental challenges.

• Environmental Stewardship: A deep commitment to designing for ecological health, resilience, and sustainability, particularly in coastal environments.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and integrating the cultural significance of landscapes and human practices into design solutions.

• Efficiency and Organization: The ability to manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and maintain organized research processes is valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The lab operates as a collaborative unit, with shared responsibilities and mutual support.

• Cross-Functional: Expect to work with individuals from diverse academic backgrounds and professional expertise.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in workshops and collaborative sessions with external partners (agencies, other universities) is a key part of the role.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback on design work and research approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a commitment to both scientific rigor and creative design, within a framework of environmental and cultural responsibility. The collaborative nature of the lab and its engagement with external stakeholders are important cultural aspects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Interdisciplinary Integration: Effectively bridging the gap between design thinking, scientific research, and engineering principles can be challenging.

• Learning Curve for New Tools: Mastering numerical coastal models and drone surveying techniques will require dedicated learning effort.

• Fieldwork Demands: Conducting fieldwork in coastal environments can be physically demanding and weather-dependent.

• Project Scope and Complexity: Working on large-scale, federally funded projects requires meticulous organization and attention to detail.

• Funding Contingency: The "restricted position" status means employment is dependent on continued funding, which can be a source of uncertainty.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Acquisition: Gain hands-on experience with advanced modeling software and techniques relevant to coastal engineering and landscape architecture.

• Research Methodology Advancement: Refine research-by-design skills and experience in scientific literature review and publication.

• Industry Exposure: Work on projects funded by significant agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers, providing valuable insights into project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, licensure support (e.g., drone piloting), and potentially attending relevant conferences or workshops.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced faculty and lab leadership in a supportive academic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as