Finding a research assistant position

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Hi all,
I'm graduating with a BA in psychology this May and trying to find a research position so that I can get some research experience before applying to clinical programs. I've applied to a lot of positions at this point (something like 20) but I have only been offered one interview. I'm frustrated and worried because a RA job is really my only shot at getting into grad school.

See, part of my problem is that I am a nontraditional student (aka old!), so I've been working full time my entire college career and haven't had time for any unpaid or work-study research experience. On the other hand, I have a lot of professional work experience (I'm a mid-level manager and have been with my company for 6 years) and hoped that combined with my good grades would at least get me interviewed.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to go about this job search? I currently live in GA but I'm actually interested in moving and experiencing a new city if I can find a job somewhere else.

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I'm sort of in the same boat too as I'm trying to find an RA job in order to "beef up" my resume for grad programs. So far I have found that looking at big hospitals with research labs are your best bet since most universities only take current students. The only university that seems to be interesting in non-students is UPenn in Philly, where they have their huge positive psych program.

It also depends on where you would like to live. That way if do concentrate your energies on an area and ultimately get hired as an RA, you'll have a rough idea on moving costs, cost of living, etc. Trust me, price does matter if you're looking at a big urban city vs. the midwest.

As far as eventually getting into a doctorate program, you should try to consider which ones you want to apply to and see if you can obtain an RA job nearby. If you are looking at going into clincial psych it wouldn't hurt to look at some of the professional psych schools, but make sure they are APA accredited. Its been my experience that the professional schools are more accepting of older students and place more weight on previous work experience.

Hope my suggestions help, good luck with your search. Feel free to PM if you have questions.
 
I found my current RA position by going to the HR website of major research and teaching hospitals. Type in the keyword search "research" or "psychology" and you should get some relevant postings. There is usually at least one lab hiring at Johns Hopkins or any teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School (i.e. MGH, BIMDC).

Personally, I was less successful when I emailed professors directly with my CV and cover letter.
 
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Hey T4C!!!! If you read this, you should make a sticky thread for RA positions, so people who know about research positions available nation wide can post information there and not have to do it all the time... and so people can access it whenever!!!

Justin
 
Hey T4C!!!! If you read this, you should make a sticky thread for RA positions, so people who know about research positions available nation wide can post information there and not have to do it all the time... and so people can access it whenever!!!

Justin

That's a great idea AJ!
 
I have a couple suggestions for those of you looking for RA positions based on my own experience:

1) It may still be too early to be looking for RA positions if you won't be graduating until May. I was freaked out by this too (I started applying for positions in December) but most labs that have job postings are hiring RIGHT NOW because they need someone now so they don't want to hire someone who won't be graduating until April, May, June etc... I started getting interviews in early April (I graduated in late April) and continued getting interviews through early May.

2) Look at employment pages for universities you're interested in working at. Often these have searches that you can save and then the employment site emails you whenever there's a posting that fits your criteria. You then merely login and post your resume for the job - its quite easy!

3) Look for labs that are doing research that pertains to your research interests or that you can at least make some connections to your interests or at least the population you're interested in.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions etc!
 
I have a couple suggestions for those of you looking for RA positions based on my own experience:

1) It may still be too early to be looking for RA positions if you won't be graduating until May. I was freaked out by this too (I started applying for positions in December) but most labs that have job postings are hiring RIGHT NOW because they need someone now so they don't want to hire someone who won't be graduating until April, May, June etc... I started getting interviews in early April (I graduated in late April) and continued getting interviews through early May.

2) Look at employment pages for universities you're interested in working at. Often these have searches that you can save and then the employment site emails you whenever there's a posting that fits your criteria. You then merely login and post your resume for the job - its quite easy!

3) Look for labs that are doing research that pertains to your research interests or that you can at least make some connections to your interests or at least the population you're interested in.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions etc!


<<<<disagrees with #3 because I dont think this is true at all. I am evidence to that, Ive been working in a completely unrelated field (immunology) and things work out fine... if you ARE lucky enough to find such a position then rock on more power to you, but I think limiting yourself like that only makes it harder to find an RA position
 
<<<<disagrees with #3 because I dont think this is true at all. I am evidence to that, Ive been working in a completely unrelated field (immunology) and things work out fine... if you ARE lucky enough to find such a position then rock on more power to you, but I think limiting yourself like that only makes it harder to find an RA position

So it doesn't really matter what type of RA experience you get, as long as it's any type of research exposure?
 
I agree that it is VERY hard to secure a research position. I found applying to graduate school a LOT easier.

I was from a small liberal arts college with only 2 research projects of my own and no RA experience as an undergrad. I applied to 40 places before securing an interview...However, the position just wouldn't work out for a few reasons. As a result, I typed into google Craigslist RA position and bam I was in a position 2 weeks later. So whatever you do DON'T give up....also, if i am able to secure a position at a Clinical Psych program, my RA position will be open so I will post that information here.

Good luck and don't give up!!!!! An RA position makes a world of difference!
 
So it doesn't really matter what type of RA experience you get, as long as it's any type of research exposure?

Its definitely a school of thought, I mean clearly it depends on lots of things, i.e., can you spin it in a way that you can say your research training was such that it will make you a phenomenal researcher no matter what you do.

My personal feelings on the matter is just this, unless you know that the one thing is what you want to do the rest of your life, why or how could diversity hurt? For me, getting basic science research helped me tons, made me a great researcher all around, and I continue to argue this at interviews... some people like the tunnel-vision approach (focusing on one area and one area only) others like myself like the blanket approach.
 
I agree that it is VERY hard to secure a research position. I found applying to graduate school a LOT easier.

I was from a small liberal arts college with only 2 research projects of my own and no RA experience as an undergrad. I applied to 40 places before securing an interview...However, the position just wouldn't work out for a few reasons. As a result, I typed into google Craigslist RA position and bam I was in a position 2 weeks later. So whatever you do DON'T give up....also, if i am able to secure a position at a Clinical Psych program, my RA position will be open so I will post that information here.

Good luck and don't give up!!!!! An RA position makes a world of difference!

Sorry 🙁 I actually really disagree with this too, unless you absolutely cannot move anywhere, you can get a position, I just think some people do not feel comfortable moving across country for something.
 
Sorry 🙁 I actually really disagree with this too, unless you absolutely cannot move anywhere, you can get a position, I just think some people do not feel comfortable moving across country for something.

I definitely think you can get a position....I just said my experience was very difficult and I was willing to relocate anywhere in the United States (minus Hawaii and Alaska--sorry 🙂)....I heard maybe I had a more difficult time because I wanted a year position? I just remember it being super difficult and I had applied to 40 positions before I was able to secure some kind of RA position.
 
Sorry 🙁 I actually really disagree with this too, unless you absolutely cannot move anywhere, you can get a position, I just think some people do not feel comfortable moving across country for something.

I think that the more creative one is in searching for and following up on leads, the greater the chances one has of finding a position. That being said, one reason people don't feel comfortable moving is they have families. It's not always easy to move a family, including little kids, to a part of the country where there may be no jobs, and thus no financial support for the family.
 
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So it doesn't really matter what type of RA experience you get, as long as it's any type of research exposure?

I know AlaskanJustin already sort of responded to you question here, and for the most part I agree with what was said, but I thought I'd add something about my own personal experience.

I have a lot of research experience, I'd say over the course of my 4.5 years of undergrad, I was employed as an RA for 2.5 years in total . I've worked in 3 academic university labs (all at my undergraduate institution) and 1 hospital psychiatric lab (I always held more than 1 RA position at once). To honest, this was something that I was praised for in every single one of my interviews. I was attached to the research I was involved in in each lab, and I learned a lot, but much of it was disjointed. I took on these positions because I think it's good to have a blanket approach and to have general knowledge of a number of topics rather than a lot about one thing and then realize when it's too late that you're narrow minded in your way of thinking (this just works best for me, I'm not saying it's the best approach). This was my rationale in my interviews, and I stand by it because I know I'm a better researcher because of my experiences, also I had fantastically strong reference letters as a result.

That said, a couple interviews did wonder about my motivation for having research that was unrelated to their field of interest, and questioned as to why I wanted to work with them given that past research did not overlap with their areas of interest. I was able to explain my position, that being that I genuinely like research, etc, etc. And in the end I received offers at every school I interviewed.

What I'm saying in a very long-winded way is that while it's important to have research experience rather than no research experience, just be careful that you can explain the common thread among your experiences... whatever that common thread may be. And be sure that to some extent you are interested in what you study - it's hard to feign interest for long periods of time, and feigning interest is particularly risky if you're relying on your supervisor to eventually act as one of your references for your applications.
 
Hi all,
I'm graduating with a BA in psychology this May and trying to find a research position so that I can get some research experience before applying to clinical programs. I've applied to a lot of positions at this point (something like 20) but I have only been offered one interview. I'm frustrated and worried because a RA job is really my only shot at getting into grad school.

See, part of my problem is that I am a nontraditional student (aka old!), so I've been working full time my entire college career and haven't had time for any unpaid or work-study research experience. On the other hand, I have a lot of professional work experience (I'm a mid-level manager and have been with my company for 6 years) and hoped that combined with my good grades would at least get me interviewed.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to go about this job search? I currently live in GA but I'm actually interested in moving and experiencing a new city if I can find a job somewhere else.

Not sure if you would interested in moving to Pittsburgh, PA, but Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (affliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) ALWAYS has RA positions available.

The salary is not great, that's for sure, but I think you would easily get a position. I applied for 5 when I graduated in April 2009, had 5 interviews, and received 3 offers. There are lots of different studies to chose from as well.

Just wondering, how are your GRE scores? Improving your scores could help you receive more interviews.
 
Speaking of which, what's a typical, or i guess, normal range for an RA salary? If I were to up and relocate for an RA job with no prior savings, will I be able to live (a very modest life) on an RA salary? Is it comparable to a PhD program stipend? And what level of competency are employers normally looking for? Is it an entry level thing or are there specific things they expect you to know already?

Thanks in advance for your input 🙂
 
in case I do not get in to grad school off the waitlist, i want to find an RA position related to anxiety and depression and/or stress and/or family dynamics. i'm pretty much willing to relocate anywhere in the country, although I would absolutely LOVE to move to CA, WA, OR, AZ, MD, VA, DE, or DC.

Is there anyone who will be leaving a job that somewhat fits what I am looking for? If so, please please please PM me!!! I'm having trouble finding job openings online.

Thanks!
 
Some advice for the original poster... and others who are looking for RA positions as well. Of course, this is just from my own experience! I've been working as an RA at a well-known teaching hospital for almost two years, and I've also helped hire RAs and will likely be doing so again this Spring (filling my position).

Echoing what some other people have already said I think think its definitely possibly its just too early to hear back from a lot of jobs. Most RA positions are filled with people like us, who are waiting to hear back from grad schools, and can't give official notice until we know where we'll be come fall, and when we'll be leaving our current positions. I know its hard to wait, but I would guess around April 15th a lot of jobs will start looking. I know at least at my job we've already posted a listing, but we won't be interviewing quite yet.

Looking at big search engines was really helpful for me -- if anyone is looking in the Boston area, Partners.org lists positions for all of the Harvard Medical/Partners affiliated hospitals/etc (MGH, Brigham and Womens, McLean). I'm sure there are similar search engines for other systems as well. I searched for "research" or "psych" and had lots of luck.

A personal touch is always nice, but you almost always have to apply officially too. My boss frequently gets e-mails from people who are interested in working in her lab, and she appreciates this effort, but we can't interview/hire anyone who doesn't apply officially through HR/their website as well. When I applied, I sent personal "cover letter" e-mails to the positions I'd applied to electronically, but only after I'd applied officially.

For "nontraditional" and/or older applicants -- sometimes we see a resume jam packed with work experience, which is great, but we can't quite figure out why you're applying to work with us in particular. If you're going for a career change, or have a unique situation, a cover letter is a great way to explain this. Otherwise, these resumes, while I'm sure the applicants are really qualified, are put in the "no" pile because there doesn't seem to be a match or explanation.

This might seem really petty, but make sure that your Facebook picture is normal and professional looking, and that either your privacy settings only allow people to see your default picture and brief info -- or that everything you have listed is professionally appropriate. While I don't totally agree with googling/facebook searching applicants, its going to happen (my boss makes us do it). Most people probably are aware of this, but every once in awhile people apply for jobs and leave utterly bizarre/inappropriate pictures viewable to the public... better safe than sorry in this case.

Hope that helps! 🙂
 
Hi, All,

I am on the wait list of two schools in Southern California (where I currently live). The main reason I think that I am not on the "accepted" list is less research experience in psychology, specifically in the areas focused on by specific professors than fellow applicants. (I have two years experience at my latest university, but some of it has been in cognitive psych and my desired concentration is health psych.) A couple of the accepted applicants at the last interview had worked at the labs into which they've been accepted. (The previous year they had driven to the campus, which is 50 miles from my home, for the express purpose of working in these professors' labs. I think that the effort paid off!)

It seems as though more advertised positions are back east. As a caregiver, it is quite challenging for me to relocate, but I feel as though I need to get a new RA position to eventually get accepted, assuming that I don't get in this year. Wait list is flattering, but it's a bit like being an alternate on an Olympic team--You probably won't get to participate in what you've been striving for.

Does anyone have any suggestions for finding a RA position around Los Angeles, preferably in health psychology/geropsychology? UCLA and VA hospitals seem really difficult to get into, so I want to look elsewhere. Wage or stipend would be nice but are not expected.
 
Looking at big search engines was really helpful for me -- if anyone is looking in the Boston area, Partners.org lists positions for all of the Harvard Medical/Partners affiliated hospitals/etc (MGH, Brigham and Womens, McLean)

...

For "nontraditional" and/or older applicants -- sometimes we see a resume jam packed with work experience, which is great, but we can't quite figure out why you're applying to work with us in particular. If you're going for a career change, or have a unique situation, a cover letter is a great way to explain this. Otherwise, these resumes, while I'm sure the applicants are really qualified, are put in the "no" pile because there doesn't seem to be a match or explanation.

Thanks, this is really helpful. I have applied to many positions at MGH/McLean, so if anyone knows of other hospitals to look into that would be great.
 
Not sure if you would interested in moving to Pittsburgh, PA, but Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (affliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) ALWAYS has RA positions available.

The salary is not great, that's for sure, but I think you would easily get a position. I applied for 5 when I graduated in April 2009, had 5 interviews, and received 3 offers. There are lots of different studies to chose from as well.

Just wondering, how are your GRE scores? Improving your scores could help you receive more interviews.

Thanks for the tip. I'm actually willing to consider Pittsburgh because I'm interested in Duquesne (which I gather is a slightly controversial statement on this board).

I haven't taken the GRE yet! I didn't think that would be important in a job search. Yikes! 🙁
 
Thanks for the tip. I'm actually willing to consider Pittsburgh because I'm interested in Duquesne (which I gather is a slightly controversial statement on this board).

I haven't taken the GRE yet! I didn't think that would be important in a job search. Yikes! 🙁

I wouldn't worry about taking the GREs before applying to an RA position. I did not report my scores because they were terrible, and I got a job at a hospital affiliated with an ivy league school. I think I might have reported my SATs and no one questioned it.
 
I wouldn't worry about taking the GREs before applying to an RA position. I did not report my scores because they were terrible, and I got a job at a hospital affiliated with an ivy league school. I think I might have reported my SATs and no one questioned it.

Agreed. Most places will not expect you to have taken the GRE, as they know many people prepare for the exam during their tenure as an RA. There are always exceptions, however. I interviewed somewhere where the director of the lab sat two other applicants and me down in a room to give us a general overview of the position and how he wasn't necessarily looking for the brightest individuals with stellar scores and GPAs, but good fits for his lab. The first question he asked me? "So... what were your GREs, if you've taken them? Oh, you haven't? Well I want you to think way back to your SATs..." :laugh:

Yea, glad I didn't end up working there.
 
For anyone unsure of how to begin searching for positions, one idea could be to look through the research 1 institutions (very heavy research funding). You can generate a list on the carnegie classifications website. This will give you a rough idea of what universities are most likely to have multiple RA positions. It can also be helpful to look not only in psych departments, but also at medical schools, where clinical psych research faculty are often based.
 
So it's been three weeks after the most recent post...anyone have any luck?
 
I've applied to 30 RA positions and have heard nothing in return. I'm even willing to volunteer.
 
Don't be discouraged! I applied to a bunch in May, got 2 interviews which translated to job offers in June. PIs tend to prefer people who can start whenever they want...

If you are planning on volunteering, sign up now if you can, because at my hospital, it takes couple months for you to get an appointment to see the volunteer coordinator (IF we are taking volunteers. Sometimes we aren't.) and go through the physicals, etc.

As for the RA salary, I'm in NYC & live comfortably. No, I don't roll like finance dudes. However, I make MUCH more than what I'll be making during my APA-accredited internship :laugh:
 
So it's been three weeks after the most recent post...anyone have any luck?

I've had a few phone interviews, one of which seems promising. Hoping April will be more productive, since a wave of current RAs will be finalizing their plans to head to grad school :xf:
 
Don't be discouraged! I applied to a bunch in May, got 2 interviews which translated to job offers in June. PIs tend to prefer people who can start whenever they want...

I work at a research center and I periodically interview people for RA positions 🙂. We do a lot of our interviewing and hiring at the end of spring/beginning of summer. This is because a lot of current staff resign then to go back to school and we have more openings. Secondly, most (though not all) of the people applying for RA positions are finishing college. We really want to do in-person interviews, and it can be difficult to coordinate that if they're going to school far away. So we might hold off a bit until most students are done with school.

I applied to 20-30 research jobs after college that I found on the job databases for various area schools, plus jobs in other industries. It was a lengthy, arduous process. One piece of advice I can offer is to make sure you proofread everything! If you want any more specific advice, feel free to PM me. Good luck!
 
<<<<disagrees with #3 because I dont think this is true at all. I am evidence to that, Ive been working in a completely unrelated field (immunology) and things work out fine... if you ARE lucky enough to find such a position then rock on more power to you, but I think limiting yourself like that only makes it harder to find an RA position


I'm not sure if I agree with this. I did immunology research, as well as alzheimer's disease. I've been out of school for 8 years but have excellent GREs and a competitive GPA from a very good school, however I believe that having premed requirements and unrelated research experience was my major 'problem' with my application. I would highly recommend intensive research in an area that you are interested in, the more research heavy the better, since clinical experience is usually less of a point of interest for the PhD programs. I was told this by a POI at one of the 'top ten' schools.

If you are unable to find experience in psychology or psychiatry research, then I would open up my options. But I would give it my all to find a position in one of these areas first. And I would start looking now, as many doors will start closing as May rolls around as you start competing with college students as they graduate or find things to do during the summer.
 
I'm not sure if I agree with this. I did immunology research, as well as alzheimer's disease. I've been out of school for 8 years but have excellent GREs and a competitive GPA from a very good school, however I believe that having premed requirements and unrelated research experience was my major 'problem' with my application. I would highly recommend intensive research in an area that you are interested in, the more research heavy the better, since clinical experience is usually less of a point of interest for the PhD programs. I was told this by a POI at one of the 'top ten' schools.

If you are unable to find experience in psychology or psychiatry research, then I would open up my options. But I would give it my all to find a position in one of these areas first. And I would start looking now, as many doors will start closing as May rolls around as you start competing with college students as they graduate or find things to do during the summer.

Yeah we have definite disagreements because I too did premed requirements (2 years extra of UG) I dont have a competitive GPA at all, but I do have publications, presentations, etc

What stands out for me IMO (you will read this also if you read my letter that I have posted) is that I tied in why the research I have been doing is beneficial to me being a psych PhD student. Also my LoRs also said the same things, how my experiences in translational research is pertinent to being an excellent researcher in psychology.

of course it would be ideal to have a relevant experience, but I would still argue, unless its in an area (such as Alzheimers MS etc) that is abundant in research labs, you will be severely limited in finding such opportunities.

Also you were out of school for 8 years, so that might have been a big hurdle? And who knows what you wrote in your PS, that could also play a big factor. Maybe you did not tie in why your research emphasis was pertinent? I dont know, since I do not know you....

The point of the story IMO, is that yes of course apply to things that are relevant to you, but dont limit yourself, you can find other psych-related research positions, hell, there are like 200 at the NIH right now (in the NIMH alone)...
 
Congratulations to everyone that was accepted in the coveted spots in NYC programs!

I'm sure that many of you had outstanding research experiences in order to be excepted. I was wondering if anyone knew of of positions that will soon be opening up.

I was not as lucky (1 pending wait list) this application season and have been actively looking for a research oriented position within the 5 boroughs.

If anyone if feeling generous please feel free to PM any relevant info.

Thanks!
 
I've had a few phone interviews, one of which seems promising. Hoping April will be more productive, since a wave of current RAs will be finalizing their plans to head to grad school :xf:

Breaking news: I was offered a position at the UCSD department of psychiatry. I really want to shout it from the rooftops, but I'm at work right now so I guess I'll settle for proclaiming it here! :soexcited:
 
Hey, thought I would let everyone know--I work at a VA Medical Center in the Pacific Northwest on veteran and civilian studies, mostly PTSD, mTBI, and Alzheimers. Three of us are leaving to go to grad school and they're desparately trying to replace us. It's been an excellent experience in terms of preparing for a clinical psych program.

PM me if you're interested in an RA position here or just want more details. I didn't want to post all the info in case it looked like I was spamming!
 
Hey, thought I would let everyone know--I work at a VA Medical Center in the Pacific Northwest on veteran and civilian studies, mostly PTSD, mTBI, and Alzheimers. Three of us are leaving to go to grad school and they're desparately trying to replace us. It's been an excellent experience in terms of preparing for a clinical psych program.

PM me if you're interested in an RA position here or just want more details. I didn't want to post all the info in case it looked like I was spamming!

Same here except at the Bronx VA...
 
Several positions are available where I work (neuropsych lab- primarily MS and TBI, NY metro area). Some are for replacing employees going off to school and new ones are being created because we just got an influx of grants- wahoo!

Anyone who is interested, please PM me.
 
Hey, thought I would let everyone know--I work at a VA Medical Center in the Pacific Northwest on veteran and civilian studies, mostly PTSD, mTBI, and Alzheimers. Three of us are leaving to go to grad school and they're desparately trying to replace us. It's been an excellent experience in terms of preparing for a clinical psych program.

PM me if you're interested in an RA position here or just want more details. I didn't want to post all the info in case it looked like I was spamming!

Hey there, I may have sent you a PM but, I'm not sure as it won't leave any record of it in my sent box. I thought I would message you here just to say that I am interested and live in the NW and would appreciate the details! (you can either post them here or PM them)

My apologies if this message is redundant.
 
I've had a few phone interviews, one of which seems promising. Hoping April will be more productive, since a wave of current RAs will be finalizing their plans to head to grad school :xf:


Congrats Lexicon!!!!
 
I've been looking for a research assistant position for the past 6 months. I've received a total of five interviews but I've not been hired. Now, it seems that I'm not even getting interviews. I'm close to completely giving up.

I'll be applying to graduate school soon and I hope to be getting in by next Fall. I'm currently working at a rehab hospital, but this is not a job I enjoy doing and certainly not one that I want to do for the next several months.

What other alternatives are there out there? Would Usability researcher be a good alternative?
 
Yeah I'm pretty much in the same position. I started applying for RA positions in June/July and have had 4 interviews, but no job offers. The opportunities seem to have dried up. After reading this thread, it appears that I was 3 months too late! I should have started in March/April.

I am thinking of going on an all-out assault next March/April... Applying to places all over the country and telling them that I'd be willing to travel for interviews. Do employers take those type of applications seriously? Any advice if my entire goal in life is to get an RA position? In other words I would be able to travel/move.

Right now, I'm still hanging around my school as a post-bac and volunteering in 4 labs. I will probably get a publication and one or two more posters this year so it's not so bad. It does feel kind of lame to be still hanging around school after I've already graduated and not moving forward...
 
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