Postdoctoral Research Associate, Contemplative Research Fellow

About the role

Contemplative Research Fellows are Postdoctoral Research Associates who specialize in the investigation of contemplative practices and experiences. This position requires demonstrated expertise in the Humanities as it relates to methods in the interdisciplinary contemplative sciences.

The Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) is seeking a Contemplative Research Fellow trained in the Humanities to join ongoing and emerging research in the CSC’s CIRCL, Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab. The CIRCL is a collaboratory for experimental research homed in the Contemplative Commons that facilitates diverse disciplinary expertise to study a broad spectrum of topics related to how contemplative practices operate in human bodies, minds, cultures, and ecologies. Research in the CIRCL co-lab investigates how contemplation intersects with themes of nature, technology, and the arts, with a focus on how contemplation can enhance wellbeing among young adults. Experimental studies currently include meditation in different environmental exposures, immersive technologies of light and sound, Virtual Reality, and lucid dreaming, among other areas.

The CSC’s Contemplative Research Fellow postdoctoral program is designed to train and mentor emerging scholars and scientists in the transdisciplinary study of contemplation to prepare the next generation of researchers, grow expertise at the University of Virginia, and contribute to the advancement of contemplative knowledge and know-how. The Fellow will work as an integral member of the CIRCL co-lab, join a consortium of researchers from across the University and around the world, and conduct research and scholarship in their specialized area of humanistic inquiry as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary research team of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate research assistants. Fellows receive mentorship from faculty, professional training in transdisciplinary methods, experience in contemplative research design, and administrative support.

Research Focus

Fellows are expected to work on experimental studies in the CIRCL as part of a multidisciplinary research team. Depending on priorities and experience, Fellows will develop a research focus in their area of specialization, contribute to collaborative research, and take on varying degrees of managing a research project.

• Investigations of attention
• Mind-wandering
• Spontaneity
• Imagination
• Mental imagery simulation
• Enhanced cognition
• Somatic awareness
• Multisensory experiences
• Emotional regulation
• Prosocial affect
• Psychological flexibility
• Psychedelics
• Ecological immersion
• Nondual awareness

Minimum Requirements/Eligibility

• Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or related) in the Humanities (Religious Studies/Philosophy/Cultural Psychology or relevant field) by the start date of the fellowship.
• Applicants must have received their doctorate within 5 years prior to their start date.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team.
• Co-author scholarship related to CIRCL research.
• Participate in regular CIRCL meetings and CSC community activities.
• Engage with an interdisciplinary cohort of Postdoctoral Research Associates at UVA.
• Other responsibilities to be detailed that align with the fellowship.

Desired Skills And Experience

• Ability to think critically, comparatively, and analytically about issues related to historical and contemporary contemplative practices.
• Training in humanistic methodologies, such as phenomenological, text critical, philosophical, historical, ethnographic, psychological, cross-cultural methods.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team with diverse expertise.
• Ability to problem solve and innovate.
• Previous experience conducting interdisciplinary experimental research on contemplative practice/s is a plus, not required.
• Training in phenomenological interview method/s is a plus, not required.
• Previous experience coordinating research is a plus, not required.
• Excellent written communication skills; ability to work with co-authors to publish.
• Collaborative, organized, dependable, responsive, attentive to detail.

Time Period

The fellowship is three one-year renewable appointments. Each year is contingent on a successful review by the supervisor, which will be conducted during the ninth month of their appointment. Criteria of evaluation include: (i) Rigor of research, (ii) Ability to collaborate and work efficiently, and (iii) Commitment to shared values.

Compensation And Benefits

Fellows are classified as Postdoctoral Research Associates at the University and will receive a competitive salary in the range of $55,000–$65,000 along with the benefits awarded for a Postdoctoral Research Associate by UVA. Fellows will receive $5,000 per year for conferences and professional development. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check.