Research Associate in Psychology

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate with expertise in the social psychology of social protest and social change. The position will begin Fall 2027 and emphasizes working with large social media datasets from recent movements. The role includes leading data analysis and publishing papers under supervision, and mentoring students.

A Ph.D. in a related field is required by start date; proficiency in R/Python and SQL is expected, with a strong

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Psychology, Political Science, Computer Science, Data Science or closely related discipline.
• Experience with computational methods, analysis of social media data, natural language processing, social network analysis, and/or social movements preferred.
• Proficiency in R or Python and SQL programming.
• A record of high-quality research with publications and external presentations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and advance primary research projects in social protest and social change.
• Lead data analysis and write papers for publication under supervision.
• Collaborate with and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Skills

R

Python

SQL

Education

PhD in Psychology or related field

Job description

Dr. Eric Shuman at the University of Virginia invites applications for a post-doctoral research associate with expertise in the social psychology of social protest, social change, and/or in big data, computational methods, social network analysis, and natural language processing. The position will begin Fall of 2027.

Dr. Shuman’s lab focuses on understanding how social protests drive social change. The postdoctoral research associate will be responsible for overseeing and advancing primary research projects in this areas with a preference for candidates who can work with large social media datasets from recent social movements. Primary responsibilities will include leading data analysis and writing papers for publication under his supervision and collaborating with and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A Ph.D. in Psychology, Political Science, Computer Science, Data Science or closely related discipline is required by the start date. Experience with an emphasis on computational methods, analysis of social media data, natural language processing, social network analysis, and/or social movements are preferred. A record of high-quality research as demonstrated by publications in top-tier journals and external presentations is required. The candidate should also be proficient in R or Python, and SQL programming.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis 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; however, the appointment may be renewed for additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

The anticipated salary is $59,000 - $63,000, commensurate with experience.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Eric Shuman, Assistant Professor, at [e-mail].

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail].

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.