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Clinical psychological science Ph.D. program

The Department of Psychology and Human Development (Peabody College) will NOT be admitting PhD students to join the program in fall 2026.

We look for applicants with interests in the development and treatment of mood disorders, working with children, parents, and families, and training in psychophysiological methods. Successful Ph.D. student applicants generally have interests and experiences that complement our research, and demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and high motivation for a clinical research career. We are particularly interested in students who would be a good fit for our pregnancy and/or early childhood studies.

Most successful applicants have gained full-time research experience after completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field or have completed a research-focused master’s degree. Prior training in EEG methods is not required, but most successful applicants do have some prior experience with neuroscience research (e.g., fMRI, HRV).

Dr. Kujawa is unable to set up meetings or talk individually with applicants prior to the application process, but you are welcome to email with specific questions. Emailing prior to applying is not required and will not impact your chances of being considered for an interview or admission to the program.

More information on the clinical science program →

*Please note that GRE scores are required to apply for the clinical psychological science Ph.D. program

Undergraduate research assistants

Our lab is a good fit for students with interests in neuroscience and mental health who have experience working with children, and adolescents, and/or pregnant people. Research opportunities include training in psychophysiological (e.g., EEG) data collection, assisting with participant recruitment, and data processing/analysis. All undergraduate RAs are required to enroll in research credit (3 credits each semester) and make a minimum 1 year commitment to the lab. RAs are expected to be available a minimum of 2 evenings each week and 2 weekends a month to assist with participant visits and to attend lab meetings on Friday mornings at 9 am. We prefer that undergraduates start in the summer or fall and recommend applying by March 1 each year for consideration. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis to account for any changes in lab needs.

If you are interested in being considered for an undergraduate RA position, first use this link to submit an application. As we review applications, we will contact applicants to set up an interview time to discuss the lab in more detail and determine if it may be a fit.

For more information on Psychology and Human Development lab openings for undergraduate students, use this link.

Professional student positions

We typically admit approximately 2 Vanderbilt M.Ed./professional students each year as student workers and/or for research placements through the Child Studies program. If you would like to be considered for a paid position, please email a description of your interests and your CV to our lab email. For research placements, please first discuss opportunities with the program director, and then with their permission, contact Dr. Kujawa directly.

Postdoctoral researcher positions

If you are interested in a postdoc in our lab, please email Dr. Kujawa directly with your CV and a brief description of your training background and interests.

Staff positions

At this time, we do not have any open staff positions. Follow our lab’s Bluesky account for more information about future job openings!