When should I contact professors about possible RA positions?

[pandatracks]

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Hi,

I've been doing some reading on here that suggests I might have more luck finding an RA position by contacting professors directly, rather than applying to listings on job boards as I have been doing. Is it too early to email professors and ask about possible RA positions in the upcoming year? Should I just wait until after the holidays and finals? I've seen people say the best time to start looking is in the spring as current RAs are hearing back from grad schools, but I'm interested in any spring or summer openings out there, not just fall.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[PsychPhDone]

You can try now if you want, but the way most of these jobs open up is through current RAs leaving for grad school. That's why so many openings are there in the late spring and early summer.

You might get lucky if someone just lands a grant right at the time you want to start, though.