Research Opportunities
This page is designed to be a collection of opportunities for undergraduate and recently-graduated students. Summer opportunities are labeled as such. To submit an opportunity, please contact Shawn Harriman. The most recent posting submitted appears at the top of the page.
If you are an MBB student looking for information about MBB’s summer thesis research awards, please click here.Research Assistantship in Visual Object Recognition (Professor Gabriel Kreiman, Harvard Medical School) - fall term and beyond
The Kreiman Lab (http://klab.tch.harvard.edu) is seeking an undergraduate research assistant to help it investigate the temporal dynamics of visual object recognition through psychophysical experiments Expected hours per week (flexible and negotiable): about 10 during the academic year and about 40 in the summer. Course or skill background: interest in psychology, psychophysics, quantitative behavioral measures, vision, visual recognition. Position can be paid or volunteer. To apply, please send CV and one letter of reference to gabriel.kreiman@tch.harvard.edu. (posted 11/09)
Research Assistantship in Brain Connectivity (Professor Gabriel Kreiman, Harvard Medical School) - fall term and beyond
The Kreiman Lab (http://klab.tch.harvard.edu) is seeking an undergraduate research assistant to help it investigate the dynamics and functional connectivity in the human brain through physiological recordings. Expected hours per week (flexible and negotiable): about 10 during the academic year and about 40 in the summer. Course or skill background: experience in computer programming (e.g. MATLAB or other language); background in neuroscience is useful but not required. Position can be paid or volunteer. To apply, please send CV and one letter of reference to gabriel.kreiman@tch.harvard.edu. (posted 11/09)
Research Assistantship in Sleep and Memory (Matthew Tucker & Professor Robert Stickgold, Center for Sleep and Cognition, Harvard Medical School) - fall term
Research Assistant needed for studies of Sleep, Memory, and Insight. Find out whether a good night of sleep is actually the sine qua non for success in life! Must be willing to commit to 5hrs/wk, and be available mornings and evenings. You will be collecting data primarily, but there may be other opportunities beyond this if you are so inclined. If you are interested in making a contribution to, and learning more about, the lively field of sleep and memory research, please contact Matt Tucker at the Center for Sleep and Cognition, mtucker1@bidmc.harvard.edu. (posted 10/09)
Research Assistantship in Neuroeconomics (Plamen Nikolov, Department of Economics)
Research on impatience and time discount rates from an economics perspective will be conducted throughout the school year. The project’s overall research question examines how in utero nutrition affects subsequent brain development and impatience, and is a follow-up to a randomized trial in Tanzania. Undergraduates are welcome to serve as RAs for all aspects of the work. Knowledge of economics, neuroscience is preferred. Field experience in Africa is helpful. Hours to be determined individually. To apply, contact Plamen Nikolov at plamen_nikolov@harvard.edu. (posted 10/09)
Research Assistantships in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (Professor Nadine Gaab, Harvard Medical School / Children's Hospital Boston) - fall term
The Gaab Lab is looking for undergraduate/graduate volunteers and interns to assist with day-to day operations and functions and development and implementation of research procedures for developmental cognitive neuroscience research. This includes subject recruitment for pediatric research studies, scheduling of research subjects, database maintenance, pediatric testing and data analyses (psychometrics, psychophysics and functional magnetic resonance imaging), stimuli design and administrative work. Must be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced, changing environment and must like working with children. Several volunteer or credit positions are available; at least eight hours weekly. Please send CV to Nadine Gaab. (posted 9/09)
Research Assistantships in Moral Psychology (Professor Joshua Greene, FAS/Psychology) - fall term
Research assistants will help run moral psychology experiments, with a focus on data collection, as well as opportunities to help analysis of results and design of further research. Background: None required. Interest in and/or experience with moral philosophy, social psychology, and/or social neuroscience is preferred. Hours per week: 10. Paid/Volunteer: Volunteer (course credit may be available) To apply, send an email to lab manager Shauna Gordon-McKeon - shaunagm@wjh.harvard.edu. (posted 9/09)
Research Assistantships in Cognitive Neuropsychology (Professor Alfonso Caramazza, FAS/Psychology) - fall term
The Cognitive Neuropsychology Laboratory is currently seeking undergraduate research assistants interested in experimental research in cognitive science. Research assistants may work on a voluntary basis or for undergraduate course credit (Psychology 910r). Paid positions may also be available depending on experience and work-study eligibility. A minimum commitment of 10 hours per week is required. Research assistants will help recruit participants, conduct experimental sessions, process and analyze data, design new experiments, and conduct library research on a variety of topics including an investigation of cognitive processes underlying object recognition (e.g., how different types of visually presented information influence decisions over different categories of objects). Our current studies investigate how humans represent and process information about a variety of objects and concepts. Ideal candidates will have an active interest in experimental research and cognitive science. Lab experience and knowledge of Matlab is a plus. Coursework in psychology or neuroscience and statistics/mathematics or computer science is also highly desired. To apply, please send your resume or CV, including relevant coursework and a brief description of your research interests, to Petra Pajtas (pajtas@wjh.harvard.edu). Additional information regarding our laboratory as well as a list of publications can be found on the lab website at http://www.wjh.harvard.edu/~caram/research.html and http://www.wjh.harvard.edu/~caram/publications.html. (posted 9/09)
Research Assistantship in Genetics and Mechanisms of Neuronal Migration (Professor Albert Galaburda, Harvard Medical School) - fall term
Malformations of the cerebral neocortex in the human brain have been associated with many impairments of neurological function including epilepsy, mental retardation, and learning disorders. Recent advances in human genetics has led to the identification of many different mutations that alter cerebral cortical development and function, and several or these mutations have been associated with learning disorders. We are currently conducting animal studies aimed at identifying how specific genes affect the cellular and developmental mechanisms of neuronal migration. We use in utero electroporation of shRNA to determine the specific cellular and developmental role of multiple genes that have been implicated in learning disorders. Course credit possible for 8-10 hours work weekly. Paid position also possible. Background requirement: Science B-62 (The Human Mind) or equivalent. (posted 9/09)
Course Research Opportunity: Psychology 1152r (or Research Credit for HEB, OEB) (Professor Marc Hauser, FAS/Psychology) – fall term
Want to know what dogs think? Want to know how your brain decides what’s right or wrong? Want to know what makes us uniquely human? Attend the Psychology 1152r organizational meeting on Friday, September 4th at noon in William James Hall room 1305. Regular course meetings will be Tuesdays at 5 p.m., beginning September 8th., in William James Hall room 1305. Click here for more information and a syllabus. (posted 9/09)
Undergraduate Research Assistantship in Face Recognition and its Deficits (Professor Ken Nakayama, Dr. Garga Chatterjee, FAS/Psychology) – fall term
Are you interested in learning about face recognition and its deficits as well as other aspects of perceptual judgment from faces like gender and attractiveness. Are you trying to gain research experience before attending graduate school? Do you need to work at a Lab for your PSYCH 910r or MBB 90r course or a similar course for concentrators in Computer Science / Philosophy/ Neurobiology? Course credit may be possible. If so, the Laboratory of Prof. Ken Nakayama has a research opportunity for you! The position if for credit or for volunteer opportunities. Description: We are seeking Harvard undergraduates to participate in research investigating the perceptual and cognitive characteristics of people who are deficient in face recognition. You will assist in subject recruiting, data collection, analysis, and may even have the opportunity to present at a conference. Good communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative setting is mandatory. Desired qualifications: Concentration in psychology, biology, pre-med,computer science, or anything related to mathematics or statistics. Should have an interest in learning about the ongoing project.Programming experience (e.g., MATLAB) is desirable but not a must. Contact: If you are interested, please contact Dr.Garga Chatterjee (garga@fas.harvard.edu). (posted 9/09)
Research Assistantship in Implicit Social Cognition (Banaji Lab, FAS/Psychology) – fall term
We are seeking a research assistant to work on studies relating to belief systems. Studies address questions such as: How do identities based around belief systems such as religion and political orientation influence our thoughts and behaviors toward others? and, How do beliefs about the nature of other groups (i.e., stereotypes) function, and how can they be changed? Research assistants will be involved in most steps of the research process, including study design, literature searches, data collection, and data entry. Research assistants should be prepared to work approximately 10 hours/week, and previous experience is not required. The position is available on a volunteer or for-credit basis. To apply, please contact Larisa at larisa@wjh.harvard.edu. (posted 8/09)
Research Assistantship in Vision Sciences (Fred Halper, FAS/Psychology) – fall term
Duties include assisting in fine arts library research, photoshop segmentation of images, and possibly some low level statistical analysis of internet data on memory. Desired skills include a background or interest in painting/drawing, some photoshop abilities, and an interest in the psychology of art. Hours per week – 2. Pay per hour - $20. To apply, contact Fred Halper at fhalper@wjh.harvard.edu or fred.halper@verizon.net. (posted 8/09)
Undergraduate Research Assistantship in Early Identification of Youth at Risk for Psychosis (Kristen Woodberry, Harvard Medical School) – fall term
This is an exciting opportunity at the Commonwealth Research Center (CRC), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and Harvard Medical School to become involved in research and community outreach aimed at understanding and intervening in the early stages of psychotic illnesses. Early intervention and possible prevention of severe mental illness has become a priority for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) with new funding being focused on research identifying early signs of risk and mechanisms of illness onset. The CRC is one of 8 North American sites on a large multisite grant directed toward this effort and has secured private foundation funding for a local clinic treating young people at high clinical risk for psychotic illnesses. Early intervention is only possible when young people at risk are identified early. In other words, it is dependent on school nurses, teachers, pediatricians, and mental health providers knowing what to look for and where to get help. Job Description: We are looking for one or two research volunteers, preferably with an interest in youth mental health and community-based prevention, to help us in developing and expanding our educational outreach. Work will focus primarily on identifying mechanisms of outreach (existing networks, conferences, newsletters, social networking, etc.) and developing and creating packets of information, mailings, training materials, etc. Volunteers will have the opportunity to take part in some research trainings, educational offerings, grand rounds, and lab meetings as their schedules allow. The priorities for outreach at this time include middle and high schools and social networking sites. Activities may include library and internet searches; organizing and cataloging website, video, handouts, and other resources; assisting in educational packet and conference preparations; organizing mailings; visiting schools; brainstorming (and training us old folk on) use of social networking sites; developing and presenting education about early stages of mental illness to high school health classes, college groups, etc.; editing materials being prepared for publication; maintaining and updating databases; and possible assistance to clinic patients and families. Additional opportunities may exist for involvement in ongoing research studies if a student’s skills and schedule allow. Hours: 8-16 hours/week. We prefer volunteers who can commit to a year, but will consider a semester-long commitment. There may be opportunity to transition to a different position over time. We are open to providing documentation for course credit with cooperation of a Harvard faculty member. Desired qualifications: We prefer students with coursework in psychopathology or experience working with individuals with mental illness, strong writing skills, coursework in basic research (scientific literature review), familiarity with excel and possibly SPSS, and interest in young people ages 12 to 30. This is an ideal position for an undergraduate considering a career in medicine, mental health, or public health. To apply, please send an email and brief description of interest and experience (and/or resume) to Kristen Woodberry at kwoodber@bidmc.harvard.edu. (posted 8/09)
Research Assistantship in Studies on Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Perception of Mixed-Race Individuals (Professor Jim Sidanius, Professor Mahzarin Banaji, Arnold Ho, FAS/Psychology) – fall term
Many have argued that the increasing rate of intermarriage between racial minorities and Whites and patterns of biracial identification will lead to the dissolution of the American racial hierarchy (e.g., Alba & Nee, 2003; Lee & Bean, 2004; 2007a; 2007b; Sears & Savalei, 2006; Thornton, 2009). Yet, little empirical evidence exists on perceptions of new racial identities that diverge from older notions of race purity and the “one drop” rule. My research examines how biracial individuals are perceived, and what this implies for racial hierarchies. Having accumulated evidence that both Asian-White and Black-White biracials are seen as relatively more minority than White, I plan to examine whether stereotypes of biracials are consistent with stereotypes of their minority parent group, and what attitudes and beliefs may predict the view that biracial people are closer to their minority parent group. I am also interested in ideologies that help to maintain the existing racial hierarchy, such as the denial of racial status differences, concerns about “reverse discrimination,” and the “model minority” stereotype concerning Asian Americans. Duties: Responsibilities will include preparation of stimuli and materials for studies, recruiting and scheduling research participants, running studies, processing data, and assisting with manuscript preparation and literature reviews. Time commitment: 7-10 hours a week on average. You may enroll in Psychology 2570r, Psychology 2640r, or Psychology 910r to receive course credit. Volunteering is also a possibility. Experience: none required To apply, contact Arnold Ho at arnoldho@fas.harvard.edu for more info. (posted 8/09)
Undergraduate Research Assistantship in Cortical Neuron Connectivity (Professor Clay Reid, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School) – fall term
The Reid lab at Harvard Medical School is seeking 4-5 students interested in exploring the neural connectivity of the mouse visual cortex. This project involves identifying neural structures (somas, dendrites, axons, synapses, etc.) in electron microscopy images and reconstructing them into 3D models. The students will interact frequently with a team consisting of graduate students and other undergraduates. No prior experience is necessary, but introductory neuroscience coursework is a plus. This position requires a commitment of 10 or more hours per week, is located at the medical school (readily accessible by the M2 shuttle). This is a paid position that may also lead to an undergraduate thesis. To inquire further, please contact Clay Reid (reid_admin@hms.harvard.edu). (posted 8/09)
Research Assistantship in Reading Facial Expressions (Professor Daniel Gilbert, Professor Wendy Mendes, Karim Kassam, FAS/Psychology) – fall term
What can we know from someone's facial expression? How well can we understand how they feel from just a glance? Research on the psychology of facial expressions has shown that the human face – in repose and in movement, at the moment of death as in life, in silence and in speech, when seen or sensed from within, in actuality or as represented in art or recorded by camera - is a commanding, complicated , and at times confusing source of information (Ekman et al., 1972). Our research aims to remove some of that confusing by looking at the relationship between the expressions people make and how they feel. Research assistants will be trained to become professional people watchers, understanding the nuances of various facial expressions that people will make using the facial action coding system (FACS). They will conduct experiments, analyze and code facial reactions to a variety of situations, and analyze data. This position is unpaid but we will give course credit for Psychology 910r or Psychology 2580r. Time commitment is 10-12 hrs/week. No prior experience is necessary. To apply, please contact Karim Kassam (kskassam@fas). (posted 8/09)
Research Assistantship in the Power of Making Experience Shared (Professor Daniel Gilbert and Bethany Burum, FAS/Psychology) – fall term
What happens when purely personal experience becomes shared? Are your memories more honest when someone else knows what you felt? If you and someone else imagine something together, does it feel like it really happened? We are beginning an exciting new research program on the impact of making an experience part of social reality. Our experiments will examine how making an experience known or shared by someone else affects people's perception of the experience, both in the moment and in memory. Research assistants will participate in all stages of these studies—from design, to implementation, to data analysis—learning and contributing to the entire research process. Time commitment is 10-12 hours per week, and students may volunteer or receive course credit through Psychology 2580r. Please contact Bethany Burum (burum@fas.harvard.edu) for more information.
Research Assistantship in Pediatric Neuroscience (Professor Nadine Gaab, Developmental Medicine Center, Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Children's Hospital Boston / Harvard Medical School) - fall term
The Gaab Lab is looking for a Research Assistant to join the Gaab Lab (http://www.childrenshospital.org/research/gaablab) to assist with day-to day operations and functions and development and implementation of research procedures. This includes subject recruitment for pediatric research studies, scheduling of research subjects, database maintenance, pediatric testing and data analyses (psychometrics, psychophysics and functional magnetic resonance imaging), stimuli design and administrative work (e.g.; preparation of internal review board proposals) required. Must be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced, changing environment and must like working with children. Several volunteer or credit positions are available; at least eight hours weekly. Please send CV to Nadine Gaab (Nadine.Gaab@childrens.harvard.edu). (posted 8/09)
Research Assistantship in Animal Cognition and Communication (Dr. Irene Pepperberg, Brandeis University) – fall term
Volunteer positions are available for training and testing Grey parrots on cognitive and communicative tasks. Volunteers will also have to do some general housekeeping (some feeding of the birds and some cage cleaning), depending on the time of day of their shift. Each position requires a minimum of 10 hrs/ wk commitment; more hours would be appreciated. The lab is staffed from 9AM to 7PM, seven days/week; volunteers who can do some weekend work would be particularly appreciated. Some background in psychology or biology or animal research would be helpful; interest in psychology, biology or animal research is necessary. These positions will be in Waltham, at Brandeis University; students who do not have a car may reach the lab via commuter rail, which has a connection with the Red Line at Porter Square; travel expenses can be reimbursed. If interested, contact Pepperberg lab manager, Arlene Levin-Rowe, at arlene@brandeis.edu and tell her that you saw the ad at Harvard.
Research Assistantship in Health and Mindfulness (Professor Ellen Langer, FAS/Psychology) – fall term
Research on health from a mindfulness perspective will be conducted throughout the school year. Undergraduates are welcome to serve as RAs for all aspects of the work if they are knowledgeable in mindfulness theory, imaging techniques, or healthcare. Hours to be determined individually. To apply, contact Professor Langer at langer@wjh.harvard.edu. (posted 8/09)
Research Assistantships for Honors Thesis Students: Kravitz Neurobiology Lab (Professor Edward Kravitz, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School) - fall term
The Kravitz laboratory at Harvard Medical School has openings for 1-2 undergraduates interested in carrying out honors thesis studies in the behavioral genetics of aggression in a fruit fly model system. Check out http://www.hms.harvard.edu/bss/neuro/kravitz/ for more information about our research. We use a recently established fruit fly model of aggression in behavioral and genetic studies that examine the relative roles of genes and experience in determining how complex patterns of behavior, like aggression and courtship, get established in nervous systems. Projects underway in the laboratory are examining the learning and memory accompanying the establishment of hierarchical relationships in male fly fights and the nature of a "loser" mentality that develops; how a single gene (fruitless of the sex determination cascade) determines whether flies fight like males or females; the roles of amines like serotonin and dopamine and various peptides in the social behavior of flies focusing on courtship and aggression; how flies choose between behaviors like courtship and aggression. These and other challenging questions can be addressed in this model system with the wealth of powerful genetic methods that are available for behavioral studies in flies. We prefer students who have taken introductory neuroscience and genetics courses, and encourage sophomore or junior undergraduates who are interested in writing a senior honors thesis to contact edward_kravitz@hms.harvard.edu to arrange a visit to our laboratory in the Neurobiology Department at Harvard Medical School. (posted 8/09)
Undergraduate Research Assistantship: Cognitive Neuroscience (Professor Gabriel Kreiman and Dr. Jed Singer, Harvard Medical School/Children's Hospital) - fall term
We welcome an enthusiastic undergraduate student interested in the cognitive neuroscience of visual object recognition. Our laboratory (see http://klab.tch.harvard.edu/) combines psychophysics, computational models and electrophysiology to study the mechanisms responsible for recognizing objects and faces. The undergraduate student will directly interact with graduate students and/or postdocs in the lab to carry out a research project studying visual recognition. Research may include work with patients at the Children's Hospital. The position can be for credit or a paid position in the summer. Time commitment is open to discussion. Experience in computer programming is a plus but not necessary. To apply, please send a letter and CV to jedediah.singer@tch.harvard.edu. (posted 8/09)
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in the Mind/Brain Sciences (Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Germany
-- additional information Forthcoming --
Graduate Research Assistantship in Biology, Emotion, and Personality (Marburg University, Germany)
Applications are invited for a Ph.D. Position in a research project on the biological underpinnings of positive emotions and personality traits. The initial appointment will be for 24 months, during which the successful applicant will work with psychopharmacological manipulations, molecular genetic assessments, psychophysiological measurements (64-channel EEG and cardiovascular measurements), and various behavioral paradigms. The anticipated start date for this position is November 1, 2009. Full etails, in German, can be found at http://www.uni-marburg.de/personal/stellen/oeffentlich/oeffwisstellen/fB04-0021.wmz-300909. Successful applicants will normally have a first class B.Sc. Degree or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. German language skills are not required. Informal inquiries may be addressed to Jan Wacker (who will also be happy to provide English translation of the job offer): wackerj@staff.uni-marburg.de. The closing date is September 30, 2009.
Office of Career Services Health & Medicine Career Page
Here you can find a collection of internship and job opportunities for Harvard Undergraduates, as well as links to information regarding application and job search techniques.
Disclaimer: In some cases, the information contained on this webpage was prepared by a third party and has not been independently verified by Harvard or MBB. We do not endorse any particular organization or service described on this page. Harvard makes no claim to the reliability of this information nor is it liable for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, relating to your use of this website, including your use of the information or services described on this page. These listings are not part of the MBB undergraduate program. You may want to speak with your academic advisor if you are uncertain whether a particular position best fits your needs and goals.