Undergraduate RAs

Thank you for your interest in joining the SRCH Lab!

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

As of May 1st, 2026, our application form is now closed for RA positions for the upcoming academic year (2026-27). We will have an open recruitment again when we have additional RA positions available. Typically, every spring quarter we hold an open recruitment and interview process for RAs to join the lab for the upcoming academic year (e.g., we recruit in Spring 2026 for start dates in Fall 2026 and on). Flyers are posted around the Psychology building and on the lab instagram page with details about how to apply. An application form will also be listed here when we have RA openings available.

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 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

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

Content

temperament and personality
personality development
self-regulation (e.g., goals, motives)
life contexts (e.g., family, neighborhood)
culture and diversity
mental and physical health
lifespan development

Technical

literature review and synthesis
archival data searches
data entry
data collection
writing for scientific audiences
open science research practices

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). Currently, the following teams are active: Geographical Linkage Team (led by Dr. Olivia Atherton), Archival Data Team (led by Priscilla Whang), and Community Research Team (led by Cinthya Navarro-Garcia). 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.

Current RA Teams

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 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 🙂

How do I apply to be an Undergrad RA in the SRCH Lab?

Every spring quarter we will hold an open recruitment for RAs to join the lab for the upcoming academic year (e.g., we recruit in Spring 2026 for start dates in Fall 2026 and on). Flyers are posted around the Psychology building and on the lab instagram page. An application form will be listed here when we have RA openings available again.

What should I do if I still have questions?

Please email srchlab@ucr.edu.