Interested in Joining Our Research Team? 

We frequently have positions available for undergraduate and graduate students. At times, we also have openings for postdoctoral positions or for project coordinator or data management positions. Please browse this page for current openings. 

Graduate Study

The MSUTR capitalizes on the inherent strengths of twin methodology to foster innovative scholarship in health and genetic research.  The primary aim of the MSUTR faculty is to examine developmental differences in genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences on internalizing (e.g., depression) and externalizing (e.g., acting out behaviors) symptoms; however, the large number of ongoing projects within the MSUTR provides the opportunity for graduate students to pursue a wide variety of research questions.

Graduate student members of the MSUTR are enrolled in Michigan State University's Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program and therefore are engaged in research and clinical training.  For more information on the Clinical Psychology Program, including information on how to apply, the research opportunities available, and student life at MSU, please click the link above.

For more information about the MSUTR, please explore this website and feel free to contact us.

Undergraduate Study

We often have open positions available in our labs for undergraduate research assistants, most commonly at the beginning of each semester.  Please note that these are volunteer, unpaid positions or for PSY 490/491 credit.

To find out more about each lab, including information on the research areas covered, typical work assignments, and the minimum requirements to apply, please click on the lab name below.

Behavior Genetics Lab

The primary aim of Dr. Burt's Behavior Genetics lab is to examine developmental differences in genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences on internalizing (e.g., depression) and externalizing (e.g., acting out behaviors) symptoms. Learn more... 

Hormones and Behavior Lab

The primary aim of Dr. Klump's Hormones and Behavior lab is to examine developmental differences in genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences on internalizing (e.g., depression) and externalizing (e.g., acting out behaviors) symptoms. Learn more...

Michigan Twins Project Lab

The primary aim of the Michigan Twins Project (MTP) lab, directed by Drs. S. Alexandra Burt and Kelly Klump, is to build a population-based registry of twins in Michigan, aged 3-55 years.  To join the registry, twin families complete and return a brief questionnaire, either online or by mailing in a paper version, that assesses family composition and health status. Learn more...

The Child Twin Video Coding Lab

The primary aim of the Child Twin Video Coding lab, directed by Dr. S. Alexandra Burt, is to assist in the study of gene-environment interplay in the development of aggressive and rule-breaking behaviors by coding recorded parent/child interactions. Learn more...