Graduate (PhD) Training in Clinical Psychology

Dr. Ray expects to admit graduate students into the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at UCLA on a yearly basis. Dr. Ray is also interested in co-mentoring graduate students in other areas of training at UCLA, particularly those in Neuroscience and Health Psychology with interests in addiction. The ideal applicant to the UCLA Addictions Laboratory has an outstanding academic record, a strong interest in clinical neuroscience of addiction, and a collaborative and productive work style. Graduate students in the laboratory will be expected to run their own independent studies, under Dr. Ray’s supervision, and to get involved in ongoing lab projects that match their interests. Dr. Ray also co-directs (along with Dr. Steve Shoptaw) an Addiction and Behavioral Medicine Clinic in primary care, at the UCLA Family Health Center. Graduate students will have opportunities to work on both research and clinical endeavors in the laboratory, although the focus of the training at UCLA is on research given its Clinical Science orientation.

Dr. Ray is often asked the following question: Who is a good fit for graduate training in your laboratory? Click here for characteristics she is looking for in a prospective student!

To inquire about openings for pre-doctoral positions, please email Dr. Ray (lararay@psych.ucla.edu).

Postdoctoral Training

Dr. Ray is an active faculty mentor in the following postdoctoral training program:

• UCLA Training Grant in Translational Neuroscience of Drug Abuse (Training Director: Edythe London, PhD). Trainees interested in behavioral pharmacology and genetics of addiction are encouraged to apply.
  Link: http://www.semel.ucla.edu/cab/tnda/postdoctoral

In addition to the training grants mentioned above, Dr. Ray would be happy to accept postdoctoral trainees interested in applying for mentored awards, such as NRSA fellowships and research supplements.

To inquire about openings for post-doctoral positions, please contact Dr. Ray directly (lararay@psych.ucla.edu).

Undergraduate Training

There are a variety of ways in which undergraduate students at UCLA may get involved in ongoing research in our laboratory.

Volunteer Research Assistant (RA) Position: Students work in the laboratory on a variety of ongoing research projects. Following training, students may be asked to conduct in-person screening sessions with research participants. The minimum required commitment is 3 quarters working 10 hours per week. As a volunteer RA, undergraduate students may be able to participate in the opportunities listed below:

• Research in Psychology (Psych 196): Students receive up to four units of credit per quarter as a volunteer RA working on an ongoing research project, and supporting the study coordinator. This requires prior approval from Dr. Ray and a written contract. The minimum required commitment is 3 quarters working 8-10 hours per week.

Click here for a detailed description of the Undergraduate Research Assistant Responsibilities.

For more information about undergraduate research assistant (RA) positions, please email the lab director, Jessica Jenkins (jenkinsj@ucla.edu).