Plan B--clinical psych (paid) lab positions if grad programs don't work out this round

[DaniD]

Hi, 

So I have submitted all of my applications to various clinical psychology PhD programs. I am going to start focusing on developing solid options for plan B in case I don't get accepted into any programs.

I was wondering if anyone knows of any good websites or resources that list open psychology-related research lab positions (paid preferably--I can't handle the hours I am now while working as an RA in the mornings. I have looked around a lot, especially in teaching hospitals and VA centers, but I am not completely sure which city my fiance is going to get assigned to so I am hesitant to start applying just yet. So, does anyone know any good resources to find research lab jobs? Maybe something your university has posted or compiled, or even places you have worked at yourself.

 

Thanks and good luck with applications everyone!

[St0chastic]

I am also interested in this.  I know that at my university most positions are posted on its HR website.  You might also want to check this site: http://clinicalpsychgradschool.org/pbacc.php

[JoePianist]

I was in the same situation last year when I first applied for Ph.D Clinical Psychology programs. I had just graduated with my B.S. in Psychology and it was my first time applying for doctoral clinical programs. In general, I was having a very rough time landing any jobs, let alone any paid research positions. For nearly a year since graduation, I applied to just about any psychology lab positions across the country that I could find, but I wasn't landing any leads. Resources I used included the website that St0chastic mentioned, my alma mater's job posting site, and Google. 

Unfortunately, if you don't have any close connections with professors or people in the field who personally know the labs that are hiring, it's a herculean task getting that prized paid research position.

 

Edited December 11, 2015 by JoePianist

[dancedementia]

Teaching hospitals, esp those affiliated with medical schools. Always hiring clinical research coordinators!

[didion10]

Hi Dani

 

not sure what sub-speciality you're looking for, but I ended up getting two 2 year paid research jobs through the medical centers in Boston and New york. specifically Massachusetts general hospital and NYU hospitals both have job listings websites, so do mt sinai and columbia for that matter.

 

However, when I used this method I probably only got one response for every 50 applications I submitted so don't lose hope. You will get a LOT further if you find a specific lab, through the faculty listings at a school and email the PI or the lab manager with your CV and a cover letter asking if they have RA or coordinator positions open.

For example for NYU psych you can look at this faculty interests page:

http://psych.nyu.edu/faculty/

I had much more success this way, often they know they're going to have an opening in say, 6 months, and will immediately remember you e-mailed. This way your CV isn't just one of hundreds applying.

 

GOOD LUCK