Join Our Team
Graduate Students
Dr. Kraft is currently seeking motivated graduate students who are passionate about exploring the cognitive and psychophysiological mechanisms underlying anxiety and related disorders. If you are particularly interested in delving into social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and the repetitive negative thoughts associated with these conditions—such as anticipatory processing, worry, and rumination—our lab could be an ideal fit for you. Individuals interested in affective neuroscience and non-invasive brain stimulation are encouraged to apply. As a graduate student in the PAWS Lab, you will have the opportunity to engage in research early in your career, develop your own research interests, and contribute to lab publications and conference presentations. Join us in our mission to advance the understanding and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. Students interested in graduate research opportunities in the PAWS Lab should email Dr. Jacob D. Kraft directly at: jake.kraft@usd.edu.
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Please see the USD Clinical Psychology Graduate Training Program Website for more detail about the program and how to apply.
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Undergraduate Students
Our lab typically offers research positions for undergraduates each semester, but these positions are highly competitive and limited in availability. If you’re interested in joining our team, please reach out to Dr. Jacob D. Kraft directly at: jake.kraft@usd.edu.
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Undergraduate research assistants in our lab play a vital role, with responsibilities including participant recruitment, running cognitive and psychophysiological protocols, processing psychophysiological data (such as EEG and Heart Rate Variability), conducting library research, and data entry. We seek students who have a strong interest in research, are self-motivated, and can work independently with minimal supervision. To be eligible, you must be available to work several hours per week and attend monthly lab meetings. Preference is given to students who meet these criteria and are willing to commit to the PAWS lab for at least one year.
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As an undergraduate research assistant in our lab, you will not only gain hands-on research experience but also develop valuable professional skills that will serve you throughout your career. You’ll have the opportunity to enhance your critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific communication abilities, all while working closely with graduate students and faculty. We are committed to your professional growth, offering mentorship and guidance as you prepare for the next steps in your academic journey. This includes personalized support with graduate school applications, such as assistance with crafting strong personal statements, preparing for interviews, and securing letters of recommendation. Our goal is to ensure that you are well-equipped and confident as you pursue your future in psychology or related fields.
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