Post-doctoral Position in Mindfulness Science & Practice (EXPIRED)

Description

A position available for a full-time postdoctoral research associate with broad interests in mindfulness research and scholarship to join the newly created Transdisciplinary Cluster on Mindfulness Science and Practice at Washington University in St. Louis (https://transdisciplinaryfutures.wustl.edu/mindfulness-science). The Cluster brings together a diverse set of researchers, scholars, and mindfulness practitioners. Our mission is to achieve a more systemic integration of mindfulness science and practice, utilizing evidence-based research and scholarship to inform our understanding of how mindfulness can be best applied, taught, and implemented. Likewise, by developing a deeper respect for, and appreciation of, the historical, philosophical, and religious contexts in which mindfulness practices are situated, we hope to provide a more effective evaluation of their physiological and psychosocial mechanisms of action. For additional information on Cluster members and activities, see https://sites.wustl.edu/mindfulness/.

We are seeking an individual with inter-disciplinary interests and background who will advance the Cluster’s mission by engaging in collaborative as well as independent research and scholarship, and who will support public programming of events (e.g., seminar organization, annual WashU mindfulness day).  Candidates from a range of disciplines in the sciences, humanities, and applied fields are encouraged to apply. Example topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Mechanisms of action by which mindfulness practices influence brain and cognitive functioning, improve mental health and sleep, and enhance overall psychological and emotional well-being
• Effective implementation and evaluation of mindfulness practices within K-12 curricula
• Mindfulness relationships to job performance and satisfaction; examination of mindfulness within organizational contexts
• Complementary and unique benefits of movement-related mindfulness practices (e.g., yoga, tai chi) in terms of mechanisms of action, and impact on psychological and physical health
• Examination of 21st-century Western secular mindfulness within current and historical socio-cultural contexts, including philosophical, religious, political and technological trends
• Integration of mindfulness with DEI efforts as a tool for positive societal change; training of mindful compassion and emotion regulation skills to address bias and discrimination
• Dissemination and implementation science related to the adaptation of mindfulness programs for diverse and under-represented populations
• The role of mindfulness as a tool for self-awareness, self-efficacy, ethical living, using both philosophical analysis and qualitative / experimental research approaches.

This position provides an outstanding opportunity to work at the forefront of mindfulness science and practice, by building a foundation for innovation and transformative research within a supportive and passionate transdisciplinary community.  Some candidates may see a long list of job requirements and bullet-point lists and feel discouraged if they don’t see themselves as a great fit – we encourage you to apply anyway! The Cluster has an explicit commitment towards increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and as such strongly encourages applications from individuals in marginalized or historically underrepresented communities.  The University, and our Cluster in particular, strives to provide a safe and inclusive community for people from all backgrounds and walks of life.  We seek candidates with diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and sexual orientations, who are committed to contributing to this goal.  We can be flexible with start-date and location wherever possible.

Washington University in St. Louis was founded in 1853 and is an internationally recognized center of excellence. Its Danforth and Medical campuses are consistently ranked in the top 20 nationally and Washington University has the 10th largest private university endowment in the nation. The postdoctoral fellow will be well supported by a wealth of institutional resources on both campuses, including the opportunity to interact with faculty from a variety of Arts & Sciences departments (Psychological & Brain Sciences, Philosophy, Education, History, Religious Studies), and other units on both the Danforth Campus (Olin School of Business, Brown School of Social Work, Institute of Public Health) and Medical School (Psychiatry, Neurology, Radiology).  The St. Louis metropolitan area has a population of ~3 million individuals, with over 200 parks, access to ample outdoor recreation, and a modest cost of living.