RA Position Question PLEASE HELP!

[ForensicCK]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi Everyone,

I'm sure there are other threads on RA position help but I figured it wouldn't be that big of a deal to start my own- so please bare with me!!!

I applied to clinical doctoral programs this year, and after being rejected at 9 and waitlisted (and then rejected) at 2 more, it seems a common issue with my application (according to the powers that be) was that I don't have enough research experience. I worked this school year (August-now) in a lab doing personality testing, and also completed a masters thesis on forensic custody evaluations, but it obviously wasn't enough. My grades/GRE were in the schools ranges, so it seems the best way to really make myself stand out next application season is to gain more research experience.

My main interests are forensic psychology: obviously forensic psych is a broad area, but I'm really passionate about mostly all of the subject matters (criminal psychology, competence/incompetence in regards to standing trial/personal responsibility, death row issues, malingering, police psychology, military psychology, child custody matters, alcohol/drug use/misuse, antisocial and narcissistic personality, etc etc etc) If I had to pick one area that intrigues me the most, I'd say PTSD and readjustment/deployment issues with veterans/combat soldiers and/or their families would be it.

I'm having a tough time finding programs that are hiring RAs!! I know that many hire after their RAs leave for school, but I'm worried that those jobs will be filled so quickly that many of us won't even have a chance to apply.

All this being said, is anyone aware of any current/soon to be available research positions that may be a "good fit" for me? If not specific positions, even places to ask around would be helpful!! I've extensively searched the VA website and have not found many labs that would take someone without a doctorate.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP GUYS!!!!!!!!!!
-Caroline

 

[livetosail]

Caroline,

Depending on a few variables, I would suggest looking in to joining the military if you are most interested in PTSD-related issues. Have you considered USUHS?

 

[ForensicCK]

Hi again,

I have considered joining the military, but that is a decision that I feel I should be a million percent sure of, and not one made just to fill a research position (if that makes any sense). Before I begin tackling that question for the millionth time, I was just hoping there were some labs/PIs that other students knew of that conducted military based research on the civilian side. If not, does anyone know of any reputable forensic psych labs that may be open to hiring an RA? I've tried most of the known university based forensic psych phd labs, and have gotten the same response multiple times "your resume looks great, but we only take doctoral students, so apply here next year if you're that interested." Great.

So once again, any help is soooo appreciated everyone! =)

Caroline 😳

 

[justme08]

It's probably a long shot, but have you tried http://www.psych.upenn.edu/people/seligman UPenn, Dr. Seligman is working with the Army on resilency training to help prevent PTSD.

It is actually hard to find military specific research in the civilan labs. There is a professor near me who I've contacted because she's done this type of research. She's not currently doing anything though and expressed that she's had a hard time getting access to information and she doesn't think there are many non-military people researching it.

There are several schools though that have forensic tracks, or even larger VA centers?

Good luck👍

 

[ForensicCK]

Thank you!!!!!!!!

 

[psychnic]

You might want to check out this database:
http://cdmrp.army.mil/search.aspx

It has information on all current army-funded grants, and you can narrow the search by psychological studies. If you find the grants, you'll find the RA jobs! There may be similar databases for the other armed services, but I'm not sure what they are.