• Unfortunately, the Rucker Lab is not currently considering expanding any of its roles right now. Please check in periodically to see if we’re accepting applications for any positions in the future!

Prospective Graduate Students

• Dr. Rucker is not recruiting graduate students for the 2026-2027 academic year via the Social Psychology Graduate Program at UNC.
  
  The deadline for applications, and information about the application process can be found here. Out of a concern for fairness, Dr. Rucker does not plan to have extensive email contact or individual zoom meetings with applicants prior to the review of applications, however, feel free to reach out and contact Dr. Rucker if you have any questions about the application process.

PSYC 395 / Volunteer / Paid Research Assistants

• As of Fall 2025, we are NOT currently recruiting undergraduate research assistants.

  However, please keep an eye on this site to see when we reopen the application for undergraduate RAs! Our typical application process is to apply as soon as possible, and have a member of our team reach out with next steps; we would then follow up with applicants on a rolling basis. Please note that you would be asked to upload a statement describing your interest in the lab and a resume with your current GPA.
  

  If you would like to prepare for an application to the lab, you will need to submit a resume / cv stating your current GPA, as well as a short personal statement describing your interest in the lab.
  

  Your personal statement should be considered a formal piece of writing, but you should also be authentic and genuine about your interests and backgrounds. We've accepted folks with minimal experience in research, uncertainty about what they plan to explore after graduation, primary interest in other fields like data science, and plenty more diverse backgrounds; the only thing that we will require of you to be accepted is a strong commitment to your responsibilities in the lab and investment in contributing to the Rucker Lab's ongoing work.
  
  

• FAQs

  What Do You Expect Of RAs?

  If you're accepted as an RA, you will be expected to contribute to the Rucker Lab at all stages of work. The most prominent role RAs have is collecting participant data for in-person studies, with secondary responsibilities timing remote studies, facilitating literature reviews, assisting with questionaries, and more.

  We expect our RA's to be responsible, reliable, communicative, and enthusiastic about the work that we do in the lab. We are looking for RAs that can commit at least 6-10 exclusives hours per week to their research work, and are flexible about the work that they are interested in completing.

  
  Who Should Apply?
  
  Students of any major can apply to be an RA, but our work is particularly relevant to those studying psychology. You should apply if you are curious about the research process, might incorporate research into your future career, or want to pursue a career relevant to research. Keep in mind that research looks very different across different fields and even within a field, so methodologies and daily duties will vary between labs. There are many wonderful labs at UNC Chapel Hill, so make sure to shop around to see which research methods and topics align with your interests.
  
  It’s also important to note that we are mindful of your time commitment throughout the semester, and the consistency of your contributions. We strongly prioritize applicants who can commit to at least one full academic year.

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  We are also particularly interested in applicants who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and lived experiences, including marginalized communities. If this describes you, we strongly encourage you to apply, and to include more about your experience in your personal statement.