We are not currently accepting applications from prospective undergraduate research assistants.
Applications generally open in spring to begin in the summer/fall.
More information about participation in undergraduate research at UW-Madison can be found here.
FAQs about RA Applications
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How do I apply?
We are not currently accepting applications for research assistants. Our online applications generally open in the spring to begin in the summer/fall. You will be asked to upload your resume/CV, attach an unofficial transcript, and answer a few questions regarding your interest in our lab and previous experiences.
What are the requirements to join the lab?
RAs are expected to devote 10 hours per week during the academic year (for Psych 621 course credit) for a minimum of 2 consecutive semesters.
Psychology or Neurobiology majors with GPA’s above 3.0 are preferred. Having taken either/both Psych 210 (Psychological Statistics) and Psych 225 (Research Methods) is especially helpful. No prior research experience is necessary. We welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Students belonging to underrepresented minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Are RA positions competitive?
Yes. We receive many more applicants than we can accept. In a typical year, we admit about 8-10 undergraduate RAs into our lab.
What kinds of students are you looking for?
Students with a passion for learning about and conducting clinical psychological science, focusing on childhood psychopathology. We are also looking for students who can contribute to (or lead!) projects of the lab. Please make sure to review the “Projects” page for an overview of our current projects before applying.
Students who are simply looking to get lab credit without clear interests in the research of the lab should consider other options.
What does an RA in the lab do?
RAs in our lab are paired with a graduate student mentor. They can expect to participate in regular lab meetings, sit in, assist with, or directly conduct clinical assessments with study participants (depending on their training and meeting our competency standards), aid in facilitating MRI scans, perform data entry, and be generally exposed to the process of research by being a part of graduate students’ research projects. Some RAs may also lead their own independent research studies as part of their senior or honors thesis.
What have former RAs gone on to do?
Former SBDL RAs have done amazing things during and after their stints in the lab. They been recipients of Hilldale Awards, Undergraduate Research Awards, and numerous travel awards to attend regional and international conferences. Additionally, many have gone on to graduate school – including in clinical psychology – and medical school. For a detailed list of where our lab alumni have ended up, please see our “Lab Alumni” page.