Volunteer

We seek motivated students interested in psychology, cognitive science, linguistics, or related areas, but welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Volunteers run experiments with children at preschools, museums, and in the lab; enter and code data using various computer software; recruit families via phone, email, and at external sites; design stimuli for new studies; and participate in weekly lab meetings. Students have the opportunity to acquire new skills and learn about cognitive development while working under the mentorship of a graduate student, postdoc, or lab coordinator. 

Academic quarter volunteers commit to 10 hours per week. We ask for a minimum 2-quarter commitment.

Summer volunteers commit to 12 hours per week, across three 4-hour shifts. Summer 2026 at the lab officially starts June 29 and ends September 4. RAs are encouraged to start sooner for training.

PSYC 199: The LAD Lab offers PSYC 199 opportunities to current undergraduate research assistants after one quarter of volunteering, contingent on instructor approval. The lab requires a 4-to-6 page research paper and a research presentation to be delivered at the end of the final quarter of PSYC 199 placement. The PSYC 199 weekly hourly committment at the LAD Lab is twelve hours per week. Prior completion of the psychology department research paper does not satisfy the LAD Lab PSYC 199 research paper requirement.

Online Application Form

The application period for Fall 2026 is closed.

Please email ladlabcoordinator@ucsd.edu with any questions.