Undergraduate RAs

Thank you for your interest in joining the SRCH Lab!

AVAILABLE POSITIONS
As of March 13, 2026, we are recruiting undergraduate research assistants (RAs) to join the lab for the upcoming academic year (2026-27). To apply, please fill out the following Undergraduate RA Application Form here. See below for more information about what to expect in an undergrad RA position, the types of skills we emphasize, the different teams that RAs work on, and other commonly asked questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of things do undergraduate research assistants (RAs) do in the SRCH Lab?
Generally, undergraduate RAs are integrated into to the entire research process by assisting SRCH Lab Members on their research projects. Unless the RA is coming in with extensive prior experience, undergraduate RAs often start at the beginning of the research process by working on tasks such as literature reviews and data entry. After foundational research skills are developed, undergraduate RAs have the opportunity to become involved in other parts of the research process such as collecting data, coding in R, writing, and presenting.

What types of skills will I learn in the SRCH Lab?


General Photo
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General

  • critical thinking
  • written and verbal communication
  • problem-solving
  • leadership
  • collaboration and teamwork
  • time and project management



Content Photo
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Content

  • temperament and personality
  • self-regulation
  • sociocultural contexts
  • mental and physical health
  • longevity
  • lifespan development



Technical Photo
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Technical

  • literature review and synthesis
  • archival data searches
  • data entry
  • data collection
  • coding in r
  • advanced statistics and data analysis
  • manuscript and grant writing
  • open science research practices



Does the SRCH Lab accept Honors Capstone and McNair scholars?
Yes! If you are interested in conducting a Honors Capstone or McNair project in the lab, please contact Dr. Atherton directly at olivia.atherton@ucr.edu.

What expectations do you have for undergraduate RAs?
All undergraduate RAs are required to attend lab meetings (schedule permitting) and complete research tasks that are assigned to them. All RAs who are brought into the lab are required to read and fill out a Research Assistant Contract with their primary mentor in the lab, which is a shared document that outlines all expectations for undergraduate RAs and their role(s) on the assigned research projects. RA performance is reviewed at the end of each quarter. In return for their contributions, RAs are expected to enroll in PSYC 096L or 197L units to receive course credit for the hours worked in the lab.

Can I apply to be an RA if I do not have any prior research experience?
Yes! Most RAs who join the lab do not have prior research experience. Training occurs on the job aligned with an apprenticeship model 🙂 

Who will I work with in the SRCH Lab?
All undergraduate RAs are assigned to a team (of 2-4 other undergraduate RAs) that is led by a primary mentor (which is either the Lab Director or one of the PhD students). Team assignments are made at the beginning of every quarter. Generally, RAs can expect to see most (if not all) lab members at weekly lab meetings and to interface with their assigned team and primary mentor more regularly.

How do I apply to be an Undergrad RA in the SRCH Lab?
To apply, please fill out the following Undergraduate RA Application Form here.

What should I do if I still have questions?
Please email srchlab@ucr.edu.