The Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct neuroimaging and behavioral laboratory studies with children appearing to recall past-life memories. This ambitious research project aims to explore factors that may contribute to the manifestation of apparent past-life memories and is led by Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova and Dr. Philip Cozzolino.
DOPS is a research unit at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. DOPS was founded by Dr. Ian Stevenson in 1967 with a focus on collecting and evaluating empirical evidence bearing on the potential survival of consciousness after death. Today, our broad mission is the scientific investigation of phenomena that challenge currently accepted models of the nature of mind and consciousness, including the notion that mind and brain are distinct and separable and that some aspect of consciousness may survive physical death.
This position is funded by the Philip B. Rothenberg Research Fund, and the successful candidate will be named a Rothenberg Research Fellow. They will be expected to support the publication of DOPS research and will be listed as a Rothenberg Research Fellow in scholarly publications.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Cognitive/Developmental Psychology/Neuroscience or related field. We are also open to applications from candidates who are graduating in spring/early summer 2025 with supporting evidence of completion date.
Preferred Qualifications:
Neuroimaging expertise, ideally with:
EEG, fNIRS (including data collection and analysis)
Young children
Behavioral testing (including eye tracking)
Memory and/or trauma
Coding skills (e.g., Matlab or Python)
Strong interest in psychical and past-life memory research; prior experience not needed
Established research and publication record commensurate with years of experience
Roles and Responsibilities Work in collaboration with principal investigators and other faculty on research related to children’s past-life memories. Develop IRB protocols and design and conduct laboratory and survey research projects. Analyze and interpret data. Write and contribute to manuscripts. Disseminate research findings at academic conferences and in scholarly journals. May need to travel occasionally.
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:
Start dates between April and July 2025 possible. This is a two-year appointment contingent upon satisfactory performance in year one.
Salary Range:
Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.
For questions regarding the scientific component of this posting, please contact Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova via email at mp8ce@uvahealth.org.
This is an Exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits
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.
To Apply: Please apply through the UVA job board, and search for R006913. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Complete an application online with the following documents:
CV
Cover letter
Research statement about interests specific to this project
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.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Doctoral degree
Experience: None
Licensure: None
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.