Research Scientist, Perceptual Studies

Research Scientist, Perceptual Studies

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.