Research Scientist, Perceptual Studies

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Scientist to coordinate and conduct research on autism, communication, and consciousness. You will work with an interdisciplinary team using behavioral, phenomenological, and eye-tracking methods to explore extraordinary communication in nonspeaking autistic individuals.

Responsibilities include data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings, with collaboration across investigators, clinicians, and

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or Master’s with substantial research experience required.
• Experience with human subjects research, study design, data management, and statistics preferred.
• Strong writing and verbal communication; ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate data collection and ensure IRB compliance.
• Oversee data management for behavioral, qualitative, and eye-tracking data.
• Perform data cleaning, coding, statistical analyses, and interpretation of findings.
• Prepare manuscripts, conference talks, and grant progress reports.
• Assist with grant proposals and collaboration with investigators and external partners.
• Participate in weekly meetings and contribute to the research mission.

Skills

Data analysis

Research design

Statistical analyses

Independent work

Written and verbal communication

Project management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Psychology or Neuroscience or Cognitive Science

Master’s degree with significant research experience

Tools

Eye-tracking equipment

Job description

The Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a highly motivated Research Scientist to coordinate and conduct research on autism, communication, and consciousness. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team investigating extraordinary communication in nonspeaking autistic individuals using behavioral, phenomenological, and eye-tracking methodologies.

The Research Scientist will work closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborators to oversee many aspects of the research project, including data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings.

About the Division of Perceptual Studies

The Division of Perceptual Studies is an internationally recognized research center within the University of Virginia School of Medicine dedicated to investigating exceptional human experiences that have important implications for psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and consciousness research. DOPS conducts rigorous interdisciplinary research using established scientific methods to examine questions surrounding human consciousness and related phenomena.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate data collection.
• Ensure compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements and maintain all regulatory documentation.
• Oversee collection and management of behavioral, qualitative, and eye-tracking data.
• Perform data cleaning, coding, quality assurance, statistical analyses, and interpretation of findings.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, technical reports, and grant progress reports.
• Assist with preparation of grant proposals and other funding applications.
• Collaborate with investigators, clinicians, communication therapists, and external research partners.
• Participate in weekly meetings and contribute to the overall research mission of the Division.

QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience. Preferred candidates will have a Ph.D. in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Psychiatry, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should also have experience conducting human subjects research, research design, data management, and statistical analysis. Project management experience is preferred along with strong organizational skills with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Autism spectrum disorder research.
• Consciousness studies.
• Qualitative research methods.
• Eye-tracking technologies.
• Human behavioral research.
• Scientific writing and publication.

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.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience and is competitive with NIH guidelines. The University of Virginia offers a comprehensive benefits package. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more aboutUVA benefits.

Initial appointments and reappointments

to these positions may be made in increments of one to three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visitUVA LifeandEmbark CVA.

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.