Research Associate in Psychology

Overview

Dr. Eric Shuman at the University of Virginia invites applications for a post-doctoral research associate with expertise in the social psychology of social protest, social change, and/or in big data, computational methods, social network analysis, and natural language processing. The position will begin Fall of 2026. Dr. Shuman’s lab focuses on understanding how social protests drive social change. The postdoctoral research associate will be responsible for overseeing and advancing primary research projects in this area with a preference for candidates who can work with large social media datasets from recent social movements.

Primary responsibilities will include leading data analysis and writing papers for publication under his supervision and collaborating with and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Lead data analysis and contribute to writing papers for publication under supervision. Collaborate with and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. Oversee and advance primary research projects related to the social psychology of social protest, social change, and related computational methods as described above. Work with large social media datasets from recent social movements when possible.

A Ph.D. in Psychology, Political Science, Computer Science, Data Science or closely related discipline is required by the start date. Experience with computational methods, analysis of social media data, natural language processing, social network analysis, and/or social movements is preferred. A record of high-quality research as demonstrated by publications in top-tier journals and external presentations is required. The candidate should also be proficient in R or Python, and SQL programming.

Apply online at the University of Virginia job site and search for R0079238. Attach a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, a maximum of 2 published papers, and the contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters. Multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance. For questions regarding this position, contact Dr. Eric Shuman, Assistant Professor,  questions about the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j.

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Read UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment for more details.