Careers in Parapsychology/Psychical Research
Job Openings at the Division of Perceptual Studies:
Announcement: We currently have an opening for a salaried research support position at UVA DOPS
Research Specialist at the UVA Division of Perceptual Studies. This is a research support position:
The Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS), Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, invites applications for a Research Specialist position. The successful candidate will assist senior researchers in DOPS’s neuroimaging laboratory, which uses EEG, transcranial optical imaging, and fMRI to study altered states of consciousness and paranormal (“psi”) abilities in exceptional individuals. Duties will include interacting with subjects, preparing and running experimental sessions, supervision of lab environment and supplies, and routine analyses of large datasets. Opportunities will also be provided as appropriate for acquiring higher-level skills and for participating in the development of oral and written presentations. There are no clinical responsibilities associated with this position.
Qualified applicants will possess a Bachelor’s Degree or a Master’s Degree in psychology, neuroscience, engineering or related field. Postgraduate education and/or research experience in relevant areas are preferred and will also be considered.
-Minimum requirement for the position: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in psychology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, mind-body medicine or a related discipline.
-The ideal candidate has a serious interest in the scientific study of unusual and/or exceptional human experiences and is experienced in statistical analysis, EEG methods and analysis, with an understanding of research methodology including study design, study implementation, data collection, data analysis and the write-up of results.
Please go to UVA Jobs Website to apply for the position.
Careers in Parapsychology/Psychical Research
Opportunities for making a full-time career in parapsychology are very rare, since there are presently many more qualified people wishing to work in the field than there are funds for their support. Opportunities do exist, however.
Carlos Alvarado Ph.D., one of our respected colleagues in the field, has valuable information to offer regarding careers in parapsychology.
Parapsychology as a Profession
Reflections on Being a Parapsychologist
The Historical Perspective in Parapsychology
Nancy Zingrone Ph.D., another of our respected research colleagues, offers important information about basic literacy in the field of parapsychology. In this article, she outlines the body of literature which serves as a solid foundation for those students and professionals who aspire to build a career in the field of parapsychology.
What Basic Literacy in the Field of Parapsychology Can Do For You
The Alvarado-Zingrone Institute for Research and Education offers a wide variety of resources for those interested in studying parapsychology including classes taught by respected researchers and authors in the field. Click here for information regarding the courses they offer online.
Self-directed Reading Curriculum
Our respected UVA DOPS colleague Emily Kelly Ph.D., has written a self-paced reading curriculum for those seeking to educated themselves in the scope of the research being done at the UVA Division of Perceptual Studies.
University Based Research Units
UVA DOPS is one of a limited number of University-based research units in the world investigating similar paranormal phenomena. Some of the other research centers are at, theUniversity of Arizona Center for Consciousness Studies the University of Edinburgh-Koestler Parapsychology Unit, and the University of Hertfordshire in England. The researchers at the University of Virginia’s unit have a special interest in studying the evidence for survival of consciousness after death.
The University of West Georgia offers BS, MA, and PhD degrees. The doctoral program emphasizes “Consciousness and Society.” Their programs incorporate existential, phenomenological, transpersonal, contemplative, critical, sociocultural, feminist, and depth psychologies. They emphasize a human science approach, qualitative methods, community praxis, cultural studies, social justice, consciousness studies, *parapsychology*, human potentiality, and spirituality.
Psychical Research Being Done Throughout the World:
For more information about the psychical research being done at other research facilities throughout the world, please refer to the list of Accredited Colleges and Universities in the United States and the United Kingdom found on the Parapsychology Foundation. Another resource that may be helpful is the Parapsychological Association website.