Virginia Affect and Interoception Research Program Assistant

The University of Virginia Department of Psychology strives to advance the science, methodology and the application of psychology through research, teaching, graduate training, and engagement in our community. The department is committed to:

• Conducting rigorous collaborative research aimed at understanding the human condition, solving societal problems, and generating breakthrough discoveries;
• Using our scholarship to guide practice, policy, education, and future research;
• Teaching and mentoring the next generation of psychological scientists and psychologically‑literate citizens and leaders

The Virginia Affect and Interoception Lab (VAIL; PI: Dr. Jennifer Mac Cormack) in the University of Virginia’s Department of Psychology invites applications for a full‑time, in‑person Research Program Assistant to start in late Summer or early Fall 2026. The lab studies how the body, brain, and mind shape the nature of affect and interoception across the lifespan and, in turn, how these processes matter for downstream sociality, behavior, and health.

The lab uses multi‑method approaches, including longitudinal assessments, laboratory experiments, psychophysiology, and human neuroimaging.

• Coordinate ongoing lab projects on stress, emotion, psychophysiology, and interoception
• Manage related data and documentation
• Supervise and train research assistants
• Process psychophysiology data (electrocardiography, impedance cardiography, blood samples)
• Assist with preparations for a new fMRI study

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field

• Master's degree in Psychology or a related discipline
• History of prior research experience in psychology or a related field
• Strong interest in emotion, stress, health, psychophysiology, and the neural bases of behavior
• Experience preparing IRB protocols, conducting basic statistical analyses in R, programming study tasks in Psycho Py, Qualtrics, or Eprime
• Experience collecting or working with psycho-physiological and/or fMRI data

This is a primarily sedentary position requiring extensive use of desktop computers. The job may occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

• This is a non‑exempt, benefited position.
• The position is based in Charlottesville, VA and must be performed fully on‑site. Occasional travel may be required.
• This is a restricted position dependent on funding availability.

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship at this time.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.