Research Assistant Positions: Subjective Experience of Future Simulation (fall term)

Research Assistant Positions: Subjective Experience of Future Simulation 
Jenna Wilson and Prof. Daniel Schacter, Schacter Lab, Department of Psychology/FAS
fall 2025

 

Our lab investigates how memory supports our ability to imagine future experiences. We study the constructive nature of memory—how details from past events are flexibly recombined to simulate possible futures—while also examining the differences that arise across individuals. Our work uses behavioral and neuroimaging methods to explore the roles of emotion, creativity, aging, and brain systems in shaping both remembering and imagining. Responsibilities: Assisting Jenna Wilson on her current project investigating how trait worry and temporal distance affect people’s ability to imagine future events. Work would involve training, coding written responses, writing a literature review, and attending project meetings. Additional training and mentorship can be tailored to the student’s goals. Requirements and Expectations: RAs are expected to work about 10 hours per week and submit an approximately 10-page paper at the end of the semester discussing their work in the context of relevant literature. Attending lab meetings is optional but encouraged. Additional Information: The position is available for payment or course credit. The work is hybrid, with in-person meetings occurring at William James Hall (8th floor). Lab website can be found at https://sites.harvard.edu/schacter-memory/. To apply: Please email your CV/resume and a few sentences describing your interest in the research project to jennawilson@g.harvard.edu.  (posted 9/25)