Research Positions

We are recruiting new members of the Cognitive Flexibility Lab, run by Dr. Melody Wiseheart (melodywiseheart@gmail.com). Our lab is located at York University, in Toronto.

Our Research

We study the interface between cognitive psychology (particularly learning and memory) and

• life-span developmental change
• education
• music training

Other current projects involve development and validation of the Wiseheart Socioeconomic Status Scale, effects of discrimination on cognition and well-being, factors associated with careless responding, and use of AI as a learning tool. See my vita page for previous lab research, including past honours thesis topics.

Open Positions

• Graduate students interested in educational psychology or socioeconomic status are encouraged to apply to the Developmental Science area of Psychology, at York University.
• We regularly supervise honours thesis and independent study students, and we regularly recruit volunteers for a range of projects. Most of our honours students spend at least one year in the lab as a volunteer or independent study student, prior to their thesis year. Please note that we do NOT take summer-only honours thesis students.

Desirable Qualities in Applicants

• Intuitive and analytical
• Curious and creative
• Self-motivated and a team player
• Playful and persistent
• Excellent communication skills

Undergrad Applicants

Please send the following to melodywiseheart@gmail.com

• Unofficial transcript
• Desired position (honours thesis, independent study, or volunteer)
• Preferred research topic area(s) (see list at top, or propose a related topic area)
• Your goals for the position
• Your post-university goals
• Names of references
• Writing sample (preferably scientific writing, such as a lab or research paper)

• Our hiring decisions are based on a combination of factors, including our perceptions of your potential to develop strong research skills, and your ability to engage in intellectually and emotionally respectful interactions with existing lab members. Independent study and honours applicants should be prepared to discuss theory related to their area of interest, and applicants at this level should have read at least one of the lab director's papers.
• Preference will be given to students who can spend at least two years in the lab.

Graduate Applicants

• Melody is in the Developmental Science research area
• On your application, please choose DS as your first choice of area. In your statement, you should indicate a desire to work with Dr. Melody Wiseheart.
• Applicants who contact Melody in advance of applying are more likely to receive serious consideration.
• If your major area is not psychology, you must contact Dr. Melody Wiseheart, so that your application is properly forwarded by the graduate office.
• Due to university requirements, only Canadian citizens or permanent residents can be considered.

Post-Doctoral Applicants

Please contact me, and we can discuss possibilities.