Thank you for your interest in the Mind, Culture, and Society (MCS) lab! As a research assistant in the MCS lab, you will gain valuable research experience while exploring topics related to race and culture.

Research assistants provide very needed and valued assistance to the research process. As a research assistant, you could have a part in 1) researching background information for a possible or ongoing study, 2) designing and manipulating experimental stimuli for use in studies, 3) constructing and modifying various surveys and studies through the use of specialized computer programs, 4) running specific studies and debriefing participants, 5) recruiting and scheduling participants for various studies, 6) gathering, coding, or entering in data, and much more.

Research assistants are required to work for a minimum of two quarters in the lab (though many RAs stay on throughout their time at Stanford, including pursuing an Honors Thesis project with the lab). RAs work at least 6 hours a week, which corresponds to 2 units of research credit (please see following section, Receiving Course Credit or Payment, for more details). As well, all RAs are required to attend a weekly whole-lab meeting.

Undergraduate Stanford students have the option of working in the lab for 2 or 3 units of research credit (Psych 183). 2 units are equivalent to working 6 hours a week; 3 units are equivalent to working 9 hours a week. Stanford students could also be eligible to participate in work study with the lab, if they are eligible. Please email Alyssa Fu at mcslab@gmail.com for details. All non-Stanford research assistants work in the lab on a volunteer basis and therefore will not be paid.

Typically the lab is looking for new research assistants at the beginning of each quarter. If you are interested in joining the MCS lab, please fill out our brief online application form before the beginning of each quarter. Applications are usually open about a month before each quarter begins. Please check the website for updates on deadlines and other application details. After receiving your application, we will contact you to set up an interview, which will most likely take place during the first week of classes for each quarter.