I presume that your 12V is also supplying the E-P transducer power (and perhaps other stuff) and that's why the regulator is getting hot. You should heat sink it so that the case temperature is reasonable if you want reliable operation, or use a switching regulator. The exact numbers depend on your ambient range and desired reliability, but "wicked hot" sounds like it exceeds the 60-70°C range that I'd like to see for general purpose applications. 

The 'fluctuation' in op-amp output could be caused by oscillations. The LM324 is fairly robust with small capacitive loads (such as could be caused by cable to the transducer), especially for gain > 1, but you may still be having problems. I suggest this kind of output circuit: 







simulate this circuit &ndash; Schematic created using CircuitLab

The input filter R4/C2 keeps high frequencies out of the input and matches the impedances looking out of the op-amp inputs so as to minimize the effect of the relatively large bias current on the LM324. The resistor R1 isolates the capacitive loading on the output from the internal output impedance of the op-amp. C1 forms a tight loop for AC to stabilize the op-amp. The feedback (R2/R3) is taken directly from the output so that R1 does not affect the output voltage when sourcing current (note that when sinking current the op-amp cannot get close to the negative rail when sinking more than 50uA or so, so the 0V output can't be approached even without R1). In most cases, the input of your transducer looks like a resistor to 0V so it's not an issue.

D1 and D2 conduct any transients to the power supply, saving U1 from damage due to ESD. R4/C2 and D1/D2 are optional as far as your immediate problem goes, R1 and C1 do the work. I strongly suggest you get that regulator temperature under control as well. 

Opamp Voltage Doubler Unstable (After Extended Operation)
During college, I decided to use my free electives to pursue a second major I had an interest in (Sociology) besides my main focus on computer science. 

I am contemplating applying to some phD programs that intersect both of these fields. However, I know these are new programs.

I have e-mailed a few departments but I get the vibe that they are more focused in getting people to apply to these new programs rather than necessarily being honest about prospects. 

So my question is essentially, are there tenure track professorships that are interested in applicants with these kinds of backgrounds? And if so is it only a very small group of institutions?

Example of one of the programs I am referring to: Ph.D Program in Computational Social Sciences
