About the Position
The Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) at the University of Virginia is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Humanities to join the Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab (CIRCL). This role is part of a growing interdisciplinary initiative exploring how contemplative practices intersect with human bodies, minds, cultures, and environments. Fellows will be embedded in experimental research projects involving meditation, immersive technologies, environmental exposure, and lucid dreaming—especially as they relate to wellbeing in young adults. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge scholarship that blends humanistic inquiry with transdisciplinary collaboration across research fields such as philosophy, anthropology, and cultural psychology.
The position offers early-career scholars a strong platform to advance their own area of research while being mentored by senior faculty. It is a full-time, one-year renewable fellowship (up to three years), based in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Institution: University of Virginia
- Department: Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC)
- Research Field: Contemplative Humanities
- Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral
- Start Date (Anticipated): Autumn 2025
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week
- Salary Range: $55,000–$65,000 per year
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Contemplative studies
- Environmental exposure and wellbeing
- Humanistic methods (philosophical, phenomenological, ethnographic)
- Immersive technologies (VR, light, sound)
- Cultural and psychological aspects of contemplation
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD (or near completion) in Humanities (e.g. Religious Studies, Philosophy, Anthropology, Cultural Psychology)
- Degree must be earned within five years of start date
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in interdisciplinary or experimental research
- Training in phenomenological interviews or cross-cultural research
- Strong communication and analytical writing skills
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct and co-author experimental and theoretical research on contemplative practices
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across UVA
- Contribute to CIRCL’s ongoing research projects and meetings
- Present findings at academic and public forums
- Participate in CSC programming and mentoring activities
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted via the UVA Job Board. Applicants should prepare a tailored cover letter highlighting their research focus and alignment with CIRCL’s work.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter (max 2 pages)
- Three professional references (on request)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Open Now
- Deadline: Rolling until filled
- Interview Date: To be announced to shortlisted candidates
Useful Links
- Institution Website: The University of Virginia
- Official Notification Link: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Apply now: jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/apply?
