The Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) is seeking a Laboratory Specialist Intermediate or Laboratory Specialist Senior to support and assist in neuroimaging and behavioral laboratory studies on exceptional human experiences, such as mystical-type experiences and psychic experiences, in the Ray Westphal Neuroimaging Laboratory.
The ideal candidate will be a tech-savvy person who has experience in conducting research with human participants using electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and can process neuroimaging data independently or with minimal supervision. Coding skills in Matlab and/or Python are essential.
Minimum Qualifications Lab Specialist Intermediate:
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, electrical engineering, data science, or a related field.
4 years of experience. Master's degree may substitute for required experience. 8 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.
Coding skills (Matlab and/or Python) with experience with EEG data analysis packages such as EEGLab, FieldTrip, MNE-Python, or similar.
Minimum Qualifications Lab Specialist Senior:
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, electrical engineering, data science, or a related field.
6 years of experience. 10 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree or Master's degree plus 4 years lab-related experience.
Coding skills (Matlab and/or Python) with experience with EEG data analysis packages such as EEGLab, FieldTrip, MNE-Python, or similar.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in cognitive/experimental psychology/neuroscience, computer science, electrical engineering, data science, or a related field with experience in a similar role.
Fluency in Matlab and/or Python with extensive experience in EEG data analysis with packages such as EEGLab, FieldTrip, MNE-Python, or similar.
Experience in EEG and/or fNIRS data collection.
Statistical skills and experience with common statistical software (SPSS, SAS, and/or R).
Interest in experimental parapsychology.
Research experience and publication record commensurate with years of experience.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The role will involve close collaboration with Dr. David Acunzo and, depending on the research projects, with other DOPS faculty members. The primary focus will be on supporting ongoing research projects in experimental parapsychology and exceptional human experiences, including the development of research methods, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and contributing to manuscript preparation. A smaller portion of the role will involve managing the Ray Westphal Neuroimaging Laboratory, including ordering supplies, assisting lab users with study setup, troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and software updates.
Additional responsibilities may include submitting and maintaining IRB protocols, supervising students involved in research projects, and performing other duties as assigned.
The position is primarily in-person, working on-site at the Division of Perceptual Studies offices located in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, with occasional pre-planned remote day(s) as needed.
Start Date and Appointment Term:
The position is available immediately. This is initially a one-year appointment with possible extensions contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
Physical Demands:
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role will also involve standing up for 40-60 minutes at a time when preparing participants for experiments. The job may occasionally require traveling to attend scientific meetings.
Salary Range:
Salary will fall within the $50k-$65k range, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance
This is an Exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
Additional information:
For questions regarding the scientific component of this posting, please contact Dr. David Acunzo via email at gdk3ub@uvahealth.org.
This position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.
About the Division of Perceptual Studies:
Founded in 1967 by Dr. Ian Stevenson, the Division of Perceptual Studies is a research division within the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences devoted to the rigorous evaluation of empirical evidence for extraordinary human experiences and capacities. The primary focus of DOPS is investigating the mind’s relationship to the body and the possibility of consciousness surviving physical death. In general, this process involves studying phenomena that challenge mainstream paradigms regarding the nature of human consciousness and applying scientific methods using innovative study designs and advanced technology. DOPS also studies the impact of these experiences on people, explores the implications for scientific theory, and disseminates this information broadly to both the public and scientific communities. To learn more, visit https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/.
To Apply: Please apply through the UVA job board, and search for R0069067. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Complete an application online with the following documents:
CV
Contact information for 3 references
Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, Recruiting Specialist, at jf2sw@virginia.edu.
For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community, please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.
Physical demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.