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Job postings will be updated as they come in. Please check back regularly.

If you'd like to view other job boards and read some advice on how to apply for post-graduate research positions in psychology, see this helpful resource .

You should also check out PREDOC , or Pathways to Research and Doctoral Careers, a consortium site with job postings all over the country for recent graduates looking for pre-doctoral work!

Please note:  These postings have not been approved or reviewed by the Department. They are unsolicited, and posted for your convenience.

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Psychology Research Jobs – Research Psychologists & Psychology Research Assistants

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What’s in this guide?

What is research psychology, what is a research psychologist, what is a psychology research assistant, where do they work, how to become a psychology research assistant, how to become a research psychologist, research psychology salaries.

By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

Research psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes through the use of research methods and empirical data. It involves investigating various aspects of human behavior, including cognition, perception, emotion, motivation, social behavior, personality, and psychopathology, among others.

The primary goal of research psychology is to increase our understanding of human behavior and mental processes, as well as to develop interventions and treatments to improve people’s lives. Research psychologists use a variety of research methods, including experiments, surveys, observational studies, and other techniques to gather data and test theories.

Research psychology has a wide range of applications, including the development of therapies for mental health disorders, the study of the effects of different environmental and social factors on behavior, and the design of interventions to improve cognitive and behavioral performance in various domains. It is an important field of study for anyone interested in understanding human behavior and mental processes.

Within this sphere there are, broadly speaking, two types of job available;  research psychologist  and  psychology research assistant.

A research psychologist specializes in the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. They are trained to design and conduct experiments, surveys, and other types of studies in order to collect data and test theories about human behavior.

To become a research psychologist, you need as a minimum a  master’s degree  and more typically a  doctoral degree in psychology . In addition to completing a doctoral degree, research psychologists may also need to obtain licensure or certification to practice in their state, particularly if they plan to work with clients or patients.

Here are the key areas of focus for a research psychologist:

• Designing and conducting research studies:  designing and implementing research studies to investigate various aspects of human behavior and mental processes. They may use a variety of research methods, such as experiments, surveys, or observational studies, to collect data and test theories.
• Analyzing data:  analyzing the data they collect to draw conclusions about human behavior and mental processes. They use statistical analysis and other techniques to identify patterns and relationships in the data.
• Reporting research findings:  communicating their research findings to other professionals in the field, as well as to the general public. They may write research articles for academic journals or present their findings at conferences or other events.
• Ethical considerations:  following ethical guidelines when conducting research, including obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and minimizing any potential harm or discomfort to participants.
• Collaborating with others:  collaborate with other professionals, such as clinicians, educators, and policymakers, to apply their research findings to real-world problems. They may work as part of a research team or as consultants to other professionals.

Here is what your daily schedule as a research psychologist might look like:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Check and respond to emails, review research literature relevant to current projects

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Design and plan an upcoming research study, review and analyze data from a previous study

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Break

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Meet with research team to discuss ongoing projects, review progress, and plan next steps

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Conduct research participant interviews or experiments, record data

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Analyze research data, update research documentation and records

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Attend a departmental meeting or seminar to learn about the latest research findings in the field

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Write a research article for a peer-reviewed journal or work on a grant proposal

A psychology research assistant is someone who works under the supervision of a research psychologist to assist with research projects.

To become a research assistant, it can be helpful to have a  degree in psychology  or a related field, but it is not always a requirement. Some research assistant positions may only require a high school diploma or an  associate’s degree , while others may require a  bachelor’s  or even a  master’s degree .

Here are the key responsibilities of a psychology research assistant:

• Supporting research activities:  This may involve assisting with study design, data collection, data management, and data analysis.
• Recruiting participants:  recruiting study participants through various means such as online recruitment, telephone, or face-to-face contact.
• Conducting literature reviews:  assist in conducting literature reviews to help researchers identify existing research on a topic and inform their research questions.
• Administering surveys and assessments:  responsible for administering surveys and assessments to study participants, either in-person or online.
• Data entry and management:  responsible for entering data into a computer program, organizing data sets, or managing research databases.
• Assisting with ethical considerations:  assist in ensuring ethical considerations are met during the research process, including obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and minimizing any potential harm or discomfort to participants.
• Supporting research dissemination:  assist in disseminating research findings through academic publications, presentations, or other means.

Here is an example daily schedule of a psychology research assistant:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Check and respond to emails, review literature relevant to current projects

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Assist with recruitment efforts, such as posting flyers or sending emails to potential study participants

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Conduct participant interviews or administer surveys, record data

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Manage research databases

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Conduct literature reviews to help researchers identify existing research on a topic and inform their research questions

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Meet with research team to discuss ongoing projects, review progress, and plan next steps

• Universities and research institutions:  Many research psychologists also teach psychology in addition to their research duties.
• Government agencies:  employed by government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to conduct research related to public health or other government priorities.
• Private research firms:  Some research psychologists and research assistants may work for private research firms that conduct research on behalf of clients, such as pharmaceutical companies or marketing firms.
• Non-profit organizations:  Research psychologists and research assistants may also be employed by non-profit organizations that conduct research related to social or environmental issues.
• Hospitals and clinics:  Research psychologists and research assistants may also work in hospitals and clinics, conducting research related to mental health disorders or other health issues.
• Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent:  Most research assistant positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field:  While not always required, having a  bachelor’s degree in psychology  or a related field can be beneficial for securing a research assistant position. This can provide you with a strong foundation in research methods, statistics, and psychology.
• Gain relevant experience:  Many research assistant positions require previous research experience, which can be obtained through internships, volunteer work, or research assistantships while in college.
• Develop necessary skills and qualifications:  Research assistant positions require specific skills and qualifications, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical software, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Developing these skills through coursework or relevant work experience can help you to be a competitive candidate for these positions.
• Search for research assistant positions : Research assistant positions can be  found through PsychologyJobs.com , university career centers, and professional networking sites. You may also consider reaching out directly to research institutions or labs to inquire about potential opportunities.

Becoming a research psychologist requires a more significant investment of time and effort.

• Earn a bachelor’s degree:  The first step to becoming a research psychologist is to  earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology  or a related field.
• Earn a master’s degree:  many doctoral programs require a  master’s degree in psychology  or a related field.
• Obtain a doctoral degree:  Research psychologists typically hold a  doctoral degree in psychology , such as a PhD or a PsyD. These programs typically take 5-7 years to complete and involve coursework, research, and clinical experience.
• Gain research experience:  Research experience is essential for becoming a research psychologist. You can gain research experience through  internships , research assistantships, or working as a research coordinator.
• Obtain licensure or certification:  Depending on the state where you plan to work, you may need to obtain licensure to practice as a psychologist.  Licensure requirements vary , but typically involve completing supervised clinical experience, and  passing the EPPP licensing exam .
• Find a job:  You can search for job opportunities  through PsychologyJobs.com , professional networking sites, or contacting potential employers directly.

See also;  how to become a psychologist .

The median annual wage for research assistants in psychology is $49,850

The median annual wage for research psychologists is $79,000

Both figures sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more detailed insights visit our  research psychologist salary guide .

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Research Opportunities

For Research Experience Seekers:

If you are looking for research positions in the field of psychology, then you have come to the right place! Below you will find a spreadsheet where researchers in the Department of Psychology and beyond advertise their most recent research position openings. Positions vary in their research topics, eligibility, compensation, and responsibilities. To find the perfect one for you, you can use the filter function in the spreadsheet. 

How to Use the Link: 

Click on the “Filter views” button

• “Create new filter view”
• Some popular filters include “Area”, “Compensation”, and “End Date for This Recruitment”

Position “Listing” Link

Tips for Getting Positions

• Once you have found the right position(s), you may directly contact the researcher(s) using the “Contact” information listed on the form.
• Sign up for the research position opening listserv ( psych-research-op [at] stanford.edu ( psych-research-op[at]stanford[dot]edu ) ) to receive notifications of new position openings. 
• We encourage everyone from any socio-demographic background to participate in and conduct research! For more information, please refer to the departmental Diversity Statement .
• Should I get involved in research? : A collection of interviews from current and former undergraduate/postgraduate/postdoctoral researchers, research staff, and faculty members about why early involvement in research is important.
• How to get involved in research? : A collection of tips and tricks for more successful research position applications.

For Research Position Recruiter:

If you are a researcher hoping to advertise the position openings in your group, you can fill in the forms below. Your postings will be immediately available to interested research experience seekers. While the positions do not need to be in the Department of Psychology, please note that most research experience seekers are looking for research experience related to psychology and neuroscience (broadly defined).

• You are more than welcome to make multiple postings. 
• If you made a mistake in the posting, you can edit your response in the form using the link (a red box that says “Edit response”)  in the automatically generated email.
• Postings will be removed after the indicated “End Date for This Recruitment”, but please feel free to repost, if needed.

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• Please keep the application process equal and inclusive. For more information, please refer to the departmental Diversity Statement .
• Prompt replies to applicants are encouraged upon receiving their application and keeping applicants informed of the interview/lab visit schedules.

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There are a wide range of opportunities available at NIMH.

Extramural Research Program (ERP) careers are scientific research positions that support research grants and contracts across the country through the extramural research programs.

Intramural Research Program (IRP) careers are scientific research or clinical positions in the internal research division of NIMH that may involve lab work or patient care. Over 40 research groups at NIMH conduct basic neuroscience research and clinical investigations of mental illnesses, brain function, and behavior.

Extramural Research Program Opportunities

• Health Scientist Administrator/Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity (ODWD)
• Chief, Electronic Communications Branch (Supervisory Technical Information Specialist) – Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications (OSPPC)
• Health Science Policy Analyst/Social Science Policy Analyst – Clinical Trials Operations Branch (CTOB)
• Health Science Policy Analyst/Social Science Policy Analyst – Human Research Protection Branch (HRPB)
• Social and Behavioral Sciences Administrator/Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Division of Translational Research (DTR)
• Deputy Director – Division of Extramural Activities (DEA)
• Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Adult Pathophysiology and Biological Interventions Development Branch (APBIDB)
• Branch Chief Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) - Division of Translational Research (DTR)
• Scientific Program Manager (Contractor) – Genomics Research Branch (GRB)
• Grants Management Specialist – Grants Management Branch
• Health Science Policy Analyst – Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications (OSPPC)
• Health Communications Specialist – Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications (OSPPC)
• Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Office of Research Training and Career Development (ORTCD)
• Social and Behavioral Sciences Administrator/Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Services Research and Clinical Epidemiology Branch (SRCEB)
• Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Translational Genomics for Mental Health (TGMH)
• Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Genomics Research Branch (GRB)

Intramural Research Program Opportunities

• Staff Scientist 1 - Section on Light and Circadian Rhythm (SLCR)
• Neuropsychologist (Contractor) – Office of the Clinical Director (OCD)
• Staff Scientist 1 – Behavioral Endocrinology Branch (BEB)
• Clinical Psychologist (Contractor) – Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service (NBPS)
• Contractor Behavioral Data Scientist/Research Psychologist – Section on Developmental Neurogenomics (SDN)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in PET Molecular Imaging
• Part Time (20 Hours) Staff Clinician 1/ Training Director in The Office of the Clinical Director
• Program Coordinator – Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service (NBPS)
• Staff Clinician 1 (Research Psychiatrist) – Molecular Imaging Branch (MIB)
• Staff Scientist 1 – Developmental Neuroscience and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Administrative Opportunities

• Budget Analyst – Budget and Analytics Branch
• NIMH Detail Opportunity – Management Analyst (Workforce Specialist)

NIMH Detail Opportunities for Current Federal Employees

The following internal detail opportunities are available to current federal employees within NIH, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal organizations. Detail opportunities offer several benefits for existing federal employees, including professional development, networking opportunities, and career advancement.

NIMH may be advertising other jobs on www.USAJOBS.gov  , which lists job opportunities within the federal government. Users can create profiles, save resumes, and set up notifications for new job postings. Visit the USAJobs Help Center  to get started. 

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See below for current listings of internships, paid jobs, research, and professional development opportunities. The lists below are not exhaustive. Be be sure to make use of other resources like Linkedin ® and see our listing of Other Job Boards.

This fall, East Carolina University invites undergraduate students interested in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) to attend one of its virtual open house events. Grounded in systems theory, ECU's program offers a diverse range of clinical and theoretical orientations, equipping students to… read more about this opportunity  »

Prospective students are invited to join the upcoming webinars highlighting the exciting opportunities available in the PhD in Pharmacology & Physiology and two distinct Master’s programs. These programs are designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience… read more about this opportunity  »

The Cognition, Action, and Psychophysiology (CAP) Lab (… read more about this opportunity  »

The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at American University, located in in Washington DC and directed by Dr. Laurie Bayet ( https://www.bayetlab.com/ ), is currently accepting applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible… read more about this opportunity  »

Join Ringle as a 1:1 online English tutor. Ringle's mission is to break down language barriers and facilitate knowledge exchange. This position offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing tutors to schedule lessons at their convenience. There are no minimum hours and the position is fully remote.… read more about this opportunity  »

AnLar is looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to support research and evaluation projects. This opportunity will provide administrative support to multiple projects that involve analysis of K-12 data, providing quality assurance, transferring statistical data to data tables… read more about this opportunity  »

The Leonard Learning Lab  (PI: Dr. Julia Leonard) at Yale University has an opening for a research assistant to… read more about this opportunity  »

The TMW Center develops, tests, and implements evidence-based interventions designed to promote very young children’s cognitive and social-emotional development, with a priority placed on that of children living in poverty. TMW Center interventions are designed to be overlaid onto existing health,… read more about this opportunity  »

The Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences (CABCS) is seeking a Senior Research Coordinator. Under supervision of Principal Investigators, this position will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively to execute human subjects research related to characterizing cognitive… read more about this opportunity  »

The Early Social Development Lab at the University of Virginia’s Department of Psychology is seeking to hire a Research Specialist to assist with the management of a cross-cultural study (in U.S. and India) of the development and socialization of gratitude among preschool- and early-school-age… read more about this opportunity  »

This role will be based in Connecticut, with frequent travel throughout the state. The Research Coordinator will report to the Senior Project Manager – ECE State Partnership and shall provide on-the-ground coordination, implementation, and research support. The Research Coordinator will work… read more about this opportunity  »

The Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence for Communication Science (“AI4CommSci”) Lab at MGH Institute of Health Professions seeks a student research assistant with a strong background in computer science, experience in web development, and an interest in contributing to open-source… read more about this opportunity  »

The Gaab Lab research focuses on typical and atypical reading development within the lifespan of a child.  We are seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support our team at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Responsibilitied: Collects magnetic resonance imaging data in… read more about this opportunity  »

The Heart-2-Heart Study is a newly funded research study to better understand how communication patterns with romantic partners are related to emotions and behavior in daily life, and how this may increase or decrease risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors over time. The Research Project… read more about this opportunity  »

The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory , in the College of the Liberal Arts  at the Pennsylvania State University, headed by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, is seeking a full-time Human… read more about this opportunity  »

The Institute for Medical Research, a nonprofit organization that conducts cutting edge research for the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is seeking to hire  Data Technician I - Time Limited . This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual who may be taking time… read more about this opportunity  »

The Institute for Medical Research, a nonprofit organization that conducts cutting edge research for the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is seeking to hire a  Patient Recruitment Assistant I . This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual with considerable… read more about this opportunity  »

The Data Collector serves as an outgoing and caring professional that collects data via in person and virtual interviews with parents as part of a randomized controlled trial of an intervention called Connect to Baby. The pilot program will be delivered remotely, via Zoom, in… read more about this opportunity  »

The Somneuro Lab (directed by Dr. Rebecca Spencer) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is seeking a full-time Research Fellow for an NIH-funded study of brain development, sleep, and memory in early childhood. This project is in collaboration with Dr. Tracy Riggins (University of Maryland… read more about this opportunity  »

The Early Childhood Cognition Lab led by Dr. Tamar Kushnir is looking to hire volunteer undergraduate research assistants for the upcoming fall semester! Our lab studies the process by which children ages 3-11 learn through everyday experiences. Anyone curious to learn how developmental research… read more about this opportunity  »

The Mood and Cognition Program in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health in New York, NY invites applications for a Research Data Associate (RDA) position. Our research involves clinical trials and investigations into the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia,… read more about this opportunity  »

The Children’s Learning Lab (CLL) is a highly supportive research group seeking a full-time Research Assistant (RA) to join our team. The RA will be a key member managing the day-to-day functioning of a NSF grant and reports directly to Dr. Bethany Rittle-Johnson, the Director of CLL and Professor… read more about this opportunity  »

The Infant Language and Perceptual Learning Lab at the University of Tennessee directed by Dr. Jessica Hay is looking for a highly organized and energetic person for a full-time position as a lab manager. The lab conducts research on language acquisition, including language input and outcome… read more about this opportunity  »

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Project Assistant. We are seeking an  English/Spanish bilingual  Project Assistant (PlayReadVIP Parent Coach) to work in the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine (PI: Alan Mendelsohn, MD). Our team… read more about this opportunity  »

Applications are invited for a full-time Research Specialist position in the … read more about this opportunity  »

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How to Become a Research Psychologist

Why become a research psychologist, what do research psychologists do, where do research psychologists work, research psychology careers.

What do you do if you love psychology but have no interest in working in mental health? Fortunately, psychology is a very diverse field, and there are plenty of opportunities. One that you might consider is becoming a research psychologist.

Consider the following question from a reader:

" I love psychology, which is why I'm currently working on my bachelor's degree in psychology. I don't want to work in mental health, so my ultimate plan is to become a researcher. While I know that this means I will probably need to go to graduate school, I'm not quite sure exactly where to begin. What type of psychology degree do I need if I want to work in research?"

At a Glance

What do you do if you love psychology but don't want to become a therapist or work in mental health? You might consider becoming a research psychologist. These professionals conduct research and may work in various settings, including universities, research labs, the military, government agencies, and private businesses.

This scenario is not at all uncommon in psychology. Many students love the subject, yet are not at all interested in working in mental health settings. Experimental fields are great options for people who are fascinated by psychology and enjoy performing research.

As a psychology student , you've probably already gotten a taste of just how diverse the field can be. This can be a great thing because it allows for so many different career paths and options, but it can also be confusing for students as they struggle to select an educational path.

Just like many other areas of psychology , becoming a research psychologist is not a "one size fits all" career. There are actually many different degrees that you could potentially pursue.

Start by taking into account what type of research you want to perform and what specific topics interest you the most.

In order to decide if this field is right for you, it is important to first understand exactly what these professionals do:

• Also known as experimental psychologists , research psychologists study a broad range of human and animal behavior.
• They design and conduct experiments exploring how people act, think, behave, interact, learn, feel, and perform under different conditions.
• They also design studies and evaluate research for flaws and bias.
• This can encompass an enormous range of topics, including memory , attention, cognition, decision-making, perception, and just about any psychological topic you can think of!

If you enjoy research and still want to work in mental health, there are also mental health professionals who perform research and conduct studies in clinical settings.

Educational backgrounds and requirements for experimental psychologists can vary depending upon where you want to work.

In most cases, you will start by earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. Some students may then choose to earn a master's, but many will go on to receive a doctorate degree.

Bachelor's Degree

Many students interested in becoming research psychologists begin with a bachelor's in psychology . However, some come from a background in a related area such as social work or even from an entirely unrelated degree area altogether.

Remember, it is possible to switch to psychology for graduate school , even if your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated subject.

Master's Degree

In some cases, students might then choose to pursue a master's degree in experimental psychology. However, it is important to note that job opportunities are generally more limited with a master's degree, which is why many opt to instead go on to earn a doctorate degree in psychology .

Doctorate Degree

While you might think you are limited to earning a PhD in experimental psychology, there are actually many different options that you might opt to pursue.

For example, if you are interested in studying the human brain, you might earn a degree focused on neuropsychology. Have an active interest in social behavior? Then, you might want to consider a doctorate in social psychology .

How to Get Started

While you might not be exactly sure about what specialty you want to pursue, you can now do plenty of things to prepare for your future as a research psychologist . Start by taking as many undergraduate courses in research methods , statistics , and experimental design as possible.

Sign up for research opportunities through your school's psychology department and consider signing up as a research assistant. It's a great way to gain valuable experience while earning college credits.

As you can see, research is something that plays a significant role in virtually every field of psychology . Your goal now is to determine which particular specialty area interests you the most and exactly where you might want to work someday.

Research psychologists are employed in a wide range of sectors, including private research firms, universities, corporations, the military, and government agencies.

So what kind of jobs will you be able to get as a research psychologist? While there are many different options, a few that you might consider include:

College Professor

Many research psychologists work at colleges and universities, teaching undergraduate and graduate students and conducting research.

Research Analyst

A research analyst evaluates data that has been collected. This career involves performing statistical analyses and managing data to ensure it is collected, recorded, and analyzed properly.

Research Scientist

A research scientist conducted grant-funded research. They are often the lead investigators of a study and are responsible for hiring assistants, managing projects, designing experiments, writing journal articles, and sharing the results of their experiments.

If you enjoy research and aren't interested in working in the field of mental health, a career as a research psychologist might be a great choice for you. To enter this field, you should focus on earning an undergraduate degree in psychology before going to graduate school to get your doctorate. Taking coursework in statistics and research methodology can help, but you should also take advantage of any opportunity to participate in research.

Bishop DV. The psychology of experimental psychologists: Overcoming cognitive constraints to improve research: The 47th Sir Frederic Bartlett Lecture .  Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) . 2020;73(1):1-19. doi:10.1177/1747021819886519

Smith KV, Thew GR. Conducting research in clinical psychology practice: Barriers, facilitators, and recommendations .  Br J Clin Psychol . 2017;56(3):347-356. doi:10.1111/bjc.12142

Scholtz SE, de Klerk W, de Beer LT. The use of research methods in psychological research: A systematised review .  Front Res Metr Anal . 2020;5:1. doi:10.3389/frma.2020.00001

American Psychological Association.  Pursuing a Career in Experimental Psychology . Updated March 2014.

The Princeton Review.  Experimental Psychology .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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