Lab application instructions for Montclair State students

Application timeline:

MSU students who are interested in obtaining a research assistant position in my lab are encouraged to apply in the summer prior to the fall term in which they hope to begin work in the lab. Although interested students may also apply ahead of the spring term, there may not be any RA openings in the spring term.


Strong preference for Montclair State students:

Preference is given to Montclair State master's students in clinical psychology and undergraduate students in psychology over all other students.

Due to my primary obligation to Montclair State applicants and incoming or current Montclair State students, many of whom are interested in my research lab, I very rarely consider others (e.g., high school students, those seeking postbac research experience) to join my lab.


Reminder as to expectations:

RA applicants must keep in mind that they will be expected to devote 10 hours to lab work per week (including on site as needed). This includes attending an approximately hour-long weekly morning lab meeting. Initial RA appointments are for one semester, but RAs who perform adequately can continue to work in the lab for as long as approved by me.


Materials to submit:

Students interested in working as RAs should email me directly (kingch@montclair.edu) with a resume/CV and cover letter. In the cover letter, describe the following.

  • Whether you are a Montclair State student, and if so, your CWID.
  • What year you are in (i.e., freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, first-year master's student, second-year master's student).
  • Why you are applying for an RA position in my lab, specifically.
  • If you are a BA/MA student seeking to eventually complete a master's thesis under my supervision.
  • Any relevant prior experiences you may have.
  • What your graduate school and career objectives are.
  • What you hope to get out of the experience.