Join the Lab

Volunteer In The Lab

Volunteering in the Cognitive Neuroscience of Thought Lab is a rewarding position. You will gain experience in a lab and work setting and valuable insight into research methods. We are looking for motivated individuals whose presence will benefit overall lab productivity. Therefore, potential lab members are expected to participate and contribute to group efforts and be capable of working independently towards personal and lab goals. In addition, members must be able to quickly learn the concept of experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Lastly, volunteers must be relatively computer savvy, as all work is done on computers. Programming experience is not necessary but would be extremely beneficial as it is essential for this line of research.

Lab Volunteer Policy

Volunteers are evaluated one month after joining the lab and at the end of each academic session to review the individual’s accomplishments.

Applications should be sent to christofflab@psych.ubc.ca with the following information:

  • Your CV
  • Recent academic transcript
  • A letter detailing your interests, intentions, and capabilities

Please note that we may not have time to respond to all requests due to the volume of applications.

Graduate Students

Graduate-level applicants are typically reviewed shortly after the formal admissions deadline (Dec 1). Here is some advice for prospective students:

  • Experience in neuroimaging will be a great plus when you apply. If you have the option, definitely get involved in a research lab that does neuroimaging as part of your undergraduate or research experience.
  • Make sure to apply through the UBC Psychology department (see also the UBC Psychology Admission Requirements)
  • Make sure to apply for government sources of funding for your grad studies (NSERC or CIHR if you are Canadian)
  • Grades are very important both in getting funding and decisions for admission — so make sure to get as good grades as possible in the remaining courses.
  • Letters of recommendation are also essential. Make sure to ask recommenders who have good things to say about you and know you enough to be able to provide detail in their letters about you.
  • If you’re interested in being a graduate student in our lab, try to come and meet lab members or Dr. Christoff at conferences (we typically attend CNS, SFN, HBM, and several other conferences). 

Post-docs

Potential post-doctoral candidates are encouraged to contact us at christofflab@psych.ubc.ca and indicate their interest in working in the lab.