Join the Grow to Care Lab!
Prospective Graduate Students
I will be accepting graduate students for Fall 2026 start (2025 application period). See details below:
Post-doctoral Researchers
The Grow to Care Lab is interested in supporting post-doctoral researchers via SSHRC's postdoctoral fellowship awards.
Undergraduate Opportunities
The Grow to Care Lab is currently seeking undergraduate students who are passionate about developmental psychology for two different volunteer positions. For all applications, please complete the following:
- Download and complete the application form.
- Send the completed application form, your current CV/resume and you unofficial academic transcript to jpeplak@sfu.ca and cc the lab manager, cka67@sfu.ca.
- For all application emails, please put "Application for [position you are applying for]" as the subject of your email.
- Please include your full name and your sfu email.
Please see available opportunities below:
Research Assistant
Grow to Care Lab is seeking research assistants for two different projects. This is a training opportunity where you would develop key research skills under the guidance of Dr. Joanna Peplak. Your role would entail working within a team setting to engage in project development, participant recruitment and testing, transcription and data analysis. You are an ideal candidate if you meet the following qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a Psychology major or minor
- Have taken PSYC250 (Intro to Developmental Psychology)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Can commit to 8 hours and a one-hour team meeting weekly for at least one year
- This opportunity aligns with your future goals
Community Engagement Specialist
Grow to Care Lab is seeking a psychology student who is passionate about promoting psychology research in their community for the postion of community engagement specialist. In this role, you would be responsible for managing and developing our social media platforms, content creation, translating psychological content for general audiences, and leading recruitment efforts by organizing and attending events, and managing our recruitment databases. You are an ideal candidate if you meet the following qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a Psychology major or minor
- Have taken PSYC250 (Intro to Developmental Psychology)
- Experience with content creation and social media management
- Experience with a variety of design software
- Can commit to 6-8 hours and a one-hour team meeting weekly for at least one year
- Comfortable talking about research with community members
Honours, Directed Study, or Research Engagement Program
Students who are interested in completing the PSYC 393 Research Engagement course, or the PSYC 493-494-495 Directed Studies course under the advisement of Dr. Peplak are required to have either:
(1) had a prior class with Dr. Peplak, or
(2) have volunteered at the Grow to Care Lab for at least one semester.
Students who are interested in completing the honours program under the advisement of Dr. Peplak are required to have completed a research engagement or directed study with Dr. Peplak.
Some exceptions may apply.
Please see Lab Policies page for more information on how to apply.