Research Observer (R0)

A First Look at Research

The Research Observer role provides introductory exposure to research through participation in weekly SAVE Lab meetings and meetings for an assigned research project. It may be a good fit for students who want to explore research or clinical-forensic psychology before taking on active research responsibilities.

R0s primarily learn through observation, discussion, and asking questions. They are not ordinarily assigned independent research tasks or provided access to confidential data or restricted project materials.

Experience: No prior research experience required
Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per week
Term: One academic semester
Availability: Fall and Winter, when suitable placements and supervision are available

What You’ll Do

• Attend weekly SAVE Lab meetings
• Attend meetings for an assigned research project
• Observe how research teams communicate, make decisions, and move projects forward
• Ask questions and develop foundational knowledge of research and clinical-forensic psychology
• Follow applicable confidentiality and professional-conduct requirements

Applications Currently Closed

We are not currently accepting applications for Research Observer positions. Check this page beginning in November for possible Winter opportunities and beginning in July for possible Fall opportunities. Recruitment depends on available projects and the lab’s capacity to support new members.

Research Assistant 1 (RA1)

Build Your Research Foundation

The Research Assistant 1 role is designed for students who are newer to research or have limited previous research experience. RA1s receive training in foundational research skills while contributing to the SAVE Lab’s ongoing research and general lab activities.

RA1s begin with a three-month probationary period designed to support their transition into the lab and provide an opportunity for both the member and the lab to assess fit and progress in the role. Continuation after this period is based on mutual interest and fit.

Experience: No prior research experience required
Time Commitment: Approximately 9 hours per week
Term: Two consecutive academic terms
Probationary Period: Three months
Availability: Fall and Winter entry, depending on available projects and supervisory capacity

What You’ll Do

• Complete literature searches, article summaries, and annotated bibliographies
• Support data entry, organization, and dataset maintenance
• Participate in training and general lab tasks
• Attend weekly SAVE Lab meetings and assigned project meetings
• Contribute to ongoing research activities as appropriate to your training and experience
• Maintain accurate records of your tasks and hours
• Follow applicable research ethics, confidentiality, and data-security requirements
• Communicate questions, difficulties, errors, or delays promptly

Applications Now Open

Applications are currently open for Research Assistant 1 positions with the SAVE Lab for Fall entry. Interested applicants must complete the online application form by the deadline below. Interested students are encouraged to review the SAVE Lab Handbook prior to applying to learn more about the lab’s structure, expectations, and opportunities, and to consider whether the lab is a good fit for their interests and goals.

Application Deadline: September 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Expected Start: Mid-October 2026

Research Assistant 2 (RA2)

Advance Your Research Skills

The Research Assistant 2 role is for more senior SAVE Lab members who progress from RA1. RA2s take on greater independence and responsibility in research activities while continuing to develop their skills and contribute to more advanced project work. 

Experience: Prior experience as an RA1 in the SAVE Lab
Time Commitment: Approximately 5 hours per week
Term: One full year, including Fall, Winter, and Summer
Entry: Internal progression from RA1
Availability: Based on research needs, available projects, and lab capacity 

What You’ll Do

• Complete more advanced research tasks, including data coding and extraction
• Support data analysis and interpretation
• Assist with manuscript, presentation, and other research-output preparation
• Coordinate more advanced project tasks and help provide continuity across projects
• Support newer lab members by explaining established procedures and modelling careful recordkeeping
• Assist with quality checks and identify questions that require input from the project lead

Internal Progression Only

RA2 positions are not open to external applicants. Progression is based primarily on a member’s performance and development as an RA1 and depends on the lab’s ongoing research needs, available projects, and capacity. 

Independent Research Project and Honours Thesis Opportunities

York University students interested in completing an Honours Thesis or Independent Research Project (IRP) with the SAVE Lab must first successfully complete an RA1 appointment. Thesis and IRP opportunities are then considered internally based on available projects, supervision, and fit.

Prior involvement in the lab allows students to develop research skills, become familiar with the lab’s research areas, methods, and expectations, and gain experience working with their prospective supervisor before undertaking an independent research project. This also provides an opportunity for both the student and supervisor to assess research interests, preparedness, and fit.

Prospective Clinical Psychology MA/PhD Students at York

Dr. Andrew Brankley is currently accepting applications from prospective MA/PhD students interested in joining the SAVE Lab through York University’s Clinical Psychology program in Fall 2027.

Graduate students in the SAVE Lab develop increasing independence across the research process, including study design, implementation, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination. They also contribute to the lab’s research community and may gain experience mentoring and supervising undergraduate members.

Applicant Preparation

Applicants are ordinarily expected to demonstrate meaningful familiarity with forensic psychology or the criminal justice system and relevant professional experience with justice-involved people or service settings. Prior graduate training and related experience in leadership, policy, social work, corrections, policing, law, community practice, statistics, computer science, or data science are also considered valuable assets.

How to Apply

Applicants should review York University’s Clinical Psychology program website for official admission requirements, deadlines, and application instructions. Those interested in joining the SAVE Lab must also complete the SAVE Lab graduate application questionnaire.

The SAVE Lab recruitment process includes meetings with Dr. Brankley and current graduate students to discuss supervision, the lab, and mutual fit.

Other Graduate Research Opportunities

Additional graduate research opportunities may occasionally become available depending on project needs, funding, and supervisory capacity. Any available positions will be posted on this page.