Undergraduate Students

The 2023 Summer Research Assistant  Application are CLOSED:

Thank you for submitting your application. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a brief interview. If you are interested in joining us for the Fall term, please refer to the following section.

Research assistant applications for the Fall 2023 term are currently CLOSED.

If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer research assistant or through PSYC240 for the upcoming Fall term (September 2023 to April 2024), please fill out this Application Form. We will reach out to you when there are new positions open.

Please ensure that you complete the form and upload your CV and unofficial transcripts at the end of the form. The lab manager will not be able to forward your application on to the graduate students until all required documents are received. If you have any questions about this process please email Ronnie at socialcognition.labmanager@gmail.com, as she handles ALL research assistant inquiries.

Basic Information about RA Positions:

  • Typically, the majority of our undergraduate research assistants start at the beginning of each term and before the summer.
  • Each student must have a GPA of 76% + to apply.
  • Each student must be able to contribute 6-8 hours per week.
  • The tasks you will be given will depend on the nature of the project you are assigned to (i.e., run and debrief participants, assist with field experiments, enter data, etc.).

FAQ’s

I don’t currently go to UBC (i.e. I go to a different university). Can I still apply?

Yes! We’ve had several students from other universities volunteer in the lab, just make sure to include your grades/transcripts from the courses you’ve taken at the other institution.

Can I still apply if I am here on exchange?

Yes! Make sure to include your transcripts in your application with the necessary conversion scales and translations.

The application form asks for GPA, but my grades are listed in a different format (letter grades, percentages etc). How should I list my grades on the application form?

Many schools will have conversion scales available to students (i.e. here is UBC’s). If there is a scale available, include it in your application, otherwise list the grade format that you are provided by your institution and we’ll try our best to figure it out!

I don’t have the minimum grade requirement listed on the lab website. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply. Other factors are taken in to consideration when evaluating applications such as extracurricular experience and grade progression.

I’m currently halfway between years (i.e. I’ve taken a few courses as a [third] year). Do I include the average of the courses I’ve taken for that year as well, or only the averages for completed years?

Write down the average for completed years on the application form and we will be able to see the grades for the courses in the year you are currently completing on your provided transcript. If you do want to include an average for your current year, make a note on the application form that you are still in that current year to avoid any confusion.

What students have said about working in the lab:

  • “People in this lab know what they are doing and they have passion for this area and great commitment.  There are lots of different studies and people are always busy and time here is fulfilling and worthwhile.”  (Cong Li, 4th Year Biology/Psychology Major)
  • “This is my first experience with coding, and handing out surveys.  The lab meetings were also new to me and it was great to be able to contribute ideas!  I enjoyed the large group meetings very much.”  (Claire Lam, 4th Year Psychology)

Students in the News:

  • 4th Year psychology student Ashley Whillans was recently featured in Arts Wire for the research she conducted as part of her honours research requirements during the 2011-2012 academic year. (Here)