About the Program
The CBR Student Research Assistant (RA) Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on experience in research on brain recovery, neurorehabilitation, and cognitive neuroscience. The program is designed to foster research skills, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration across behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational projects.
Program Details
Duration
- Typically two semesters, but with opportunities for year-long participation
- Time Commitment: approximately 5–10 hours per week
Program Calendar
CBR accepts new Student Research Assistants every semester.
| Spring 2027 | Applications Due | December 1, 2026 |
| Start | January 20, 2027 | |
| End | May 8, 2027 | |
| Summer 2027 | Applications Due | April 1, 2027 |
| Start | May 19, 2027 | |
| End | August 25, 2027 | |
| Fall 2027 | Applications Due | August 1, 2027 |
| Start | September 2, 2027 | |
| End | December 18, 2027 |
*Calendar dates may be subject to change
Responsibilities & Involvement
Research Studies
Student RAs are assigned to an active research project in which they are paired with a project leader and assist with the following responsibilities:
- Participant Recruitment
- Data Collection
- Data Management
- Data Analysis
Expectations
Student RAs are expected to attend weekly lab meetings, regular one-on-one meetings with project leaders, and at least one CBR Seminar per semester. Additionally, Student RAs are required to submit weekly documentation summarizing progress and updates, as well as respond to semesterly feedback surveys.
Skill Development
Throughout the course of the program, CBR Student RAs will develop and refine the following skillsets:
- Scientific Literacy and Communication
- Data and Statistical Analysis
- Research Dissemination and Professional Development
- Research Methodology
Placements
As a CBR Student RA, you will be matched with an active research project based on your interests, experience, and program needs. Projects may be housed within the CBR lab or led by one of our affiliated faculty members. Because the Center brings together more than 20 faculty across disciplines, students often have opportunities to work with multiple CBR researchers during their time in the program, expanding their skills and research networks.
How to Apply
Interested in becoming a CBR Student Research Assistant?
Fill out the following application form to be considered for our next cycle of CBR Student RAs. The CBR Student Research Assistant Program is highly competitive and slots are typically filled before the start of the next semester. If you are interested in being considered, we suggest applying early.
Note: This form is always open and accepting applications, however we only admit new Student RAs right before the beginning of a new semester or at the beginning of a new project. So, you may not hear back immediately.
Learn More
Please email brainrec@bu.edu with specific questions about the CBR Student Research Assistant Program.
You can also learn more by clicking the link below to read an interview with the Program Director and an Student Research Assistant about their experience.