10-Week Funded Summer Internships at the University of California - Irvine Development of Social Cognition Lab

The Development of Social Cognition Lab at UC Irvine is offering three 10-week summer internships with a stipend of $4,000. Interns will work on NSF-funded projects relating to math cognition and cognitive predictors of inequality. We currently run studies with 3- to 9-year-olds online. 

Funding is guaranteed for all accepted students. The internship will include – first and foremost, hands-on experience with cognitive development research; mentorship and guidance, including career planning, programming training, and mentorship on research presentation, research design, and data analysis. We offer two start dates: either June 6th or July 12th, dependent on the intern’s availability and schedule. These positions will be available virtually. There may be an opportunity to work in-person at UC Irvine, contingent upon local restrictions and conditions. 

Interns should apply to work on one of two projects (please indicate in the cover letter whether you would like to be considered for Project 1, Project 2, or both).
1. Social influences of math learning (2 interns): These projects investigate how to promote learning of math concepts in young children.
2. Cognitive influences of social inequality (1 intern): These projects investigate the development of young children’s abilities to reason about inequality.

Duties will include recruitment of participants, data collection, working with children, coding and analyzing data, and attending lab meetings. Interns will also engage in community outreach efforts (talk to parents about child development), read extant literature in cognitive development, and work directly with senior lab members and the PI; and present their projects to the lab community at the conclusion of their internship.

Requirements:
• Ability to make a full-time commitment (40 hours/week) during the internship period
• Proficiency in writing and communicating in English
• Comfort interacting with children 3-9 years of age, as well as parents
• Interest in cognitive development
• Attention to detail
• Basic computer skills
• Some background in psychology coursework
• Interest and passion for cognitive development, as well as for community outreach.
 
Preferred, but not mandatory:
• Minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in Psychology classes
• Previous experience working with children

Positions are ideal for those interested in gaining research experience and an introduction to developmental cognitive psychology research in particular. We especially encourage people to apply who have not have opportunities to gain extensive research experience through their home institutions. If interested, please send:
a. your resume (including relevant coursework and previous research experience)
b. cover letter (including a brief description of academic and research interests)
c. unofficial transcript, and 
d. the name of 1 person (ideally, faculty that may be contacted for a reference.

Please send all materials to dosc.ra.applications@gmail.com with “2021 Summer Internship” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin February 20, 2021 and selections will occur on a rolling basis.

Type
  • Internship
Timeframe
  • Summer