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Undergraduate research assistants & mentored research
We are currently accepting applications for undergraduate research assistants to begin Spring 2027.
Responsibilities may include assisting article screening for systematic reviews, developing annotated bibliographies, developing surveys, and/or collecting data. Students will be trained and obtain valuable research methods skills and will work collaboratively with other research assistants and the lab PI, Dr. Charlie Rioux. Students can learn more about the PEANUTs Lab research on the other pages of this website. The lab has a strong track record of preparing students for graduate school in psychology, counseling, and health-related fields. Students who contribute to the lab for several semesters may get opportunities for presentations or publications.
Qualifications: Some experience in reading and understanding scientific articles in the psychological, social, health, or human sciences as well as previous classes in research methods or statistics is an asset. Make sure to describe all your previous experiences in your application.
Requirements: Availability to work in the lab at least for at least two semesters Selected research assistants will be required to enroll in 3 credits (9h/week) of Individual Study in Human Sciences (HUSC-4000).
Applications: Send your application to Dr. Rioux: charlie.rioux@ttu.edu. Your application must include:
(1) a cover letter outlining (a) why you are interested in the position as well as (b) any research training and/or experience you have (if applicable) and (c) your availability (i.e., days and times you are available every week) for the Spring semester
(2) a resume/CV, and
(3) a copy of your transcripts
Review of applications will begin on a rolling basis on October 5 until positions are filled. After this date, short-listed applicants will be invited for an interview.
Undergraduate Honors thesis students
We are no longer considering applications for Honors theses for Fall 2026. Dr. Rioux may consider theses to begin 2027.
Honors theses in the lab span one year while enrolled in HONS 3300/4300. Students completing an empirical study using data are expected to complete an advanced statistics course before starting or during their first thesis semester. Students review literature on a topic, and then answer their own research question using our data. Honors students in the lab are encouraged and supported in examining their own research questions with the data we have available. These questions should be related to developmental psychopathology, mental health promotion, and/or research methods. We encourage prospective Honors students to consult this website to identify whether their interests align with the lab.
We support students who want to pursue publication of their thesis in a scientific journal and can mentor them through the process after graduation. However, publishing the thesis is not expected and is based on students’ goals. Students who have been RAs in the lab will be given priority, but having been an RA in the lab is not a requirement.
If you are interested in completing your Honors thesis project with us, please email to Dr. Rioux:
- A brief description of your interest in the lab
- Your resume/CV
- A sample of your writing (can be a class paper)
- Your transcripts.
Graduate research assistants
We are not currently accepting applications for graduate research assistants.
Masters thesis students
Dr. Rioux can consider applications from students interested in conducting a masters thesis in human sciences under her supervision for 2027. New thesis students for 2026 are no longer being considered. Note that the MS in Human Sciences has a thesis and non-thesis track and having a mentor is not a requirement to enter the program. Thesis students working with Dr. Rioux typically start doing research in the lab in their first masters year, work towards academic publication(s), and are expected to collaborate with other lab members. If you are interested in doing your masters in the lab, please contact Dr. Rioux for more details and include (1) a brief description of your interests in the lab as well as relevant research, clinical or professional experience, (2) your resume/CV, and (3) a transcript.
Postdoctoral scholars
We do not currently have open postdoctoral positions.
If you would like to explore a postdoc funded through fellowships, please reach out to Dr. Rioux directly by email (charlie.rioux [at] ttu.edu). Note that these fellowships usually require application one year before starting the position, with at least a few months needed to prepare a competitive application. It is never too early to start planning and reach out.
- Dr. Rioux can support US fellowships such the NSF postdoctoral fellowship, the NIH F32, or the Ford Foundation fellowship. These fellowships are restricted to US citizens and permanent residents.
- Dr. Rioux can also support Canadian fellowships, including the Banting fellowship, the SSHRC fellowship, the CIHR fellowship, and provincial fellowships that support international training (e.g., FRQ-S, FRQ-SC in Quebec). These fellowships are restricted to citizens/residents of the country/province when applying to train in the US.
- If you are from another country and would like to apply to a fellowship allowing you to train internationally, reach out to Dr. Rioux with the details.