Research Assistantships

Macaulay Research Assistantship Program

An opportunity afforded exclusively to Macaulay students in a seamless manner for undergraduate research in partnership with CUNY professors. Students who participate in research projects are able to gain invaluable experience working closely with an accomplished professional, learn research techniques appropriate to a discipline, and have opportunities that may lead to formal presentations at conferences or have their work published in print or other digital media.

The Macaulay Honors College Research Assistantship Program showcases CUNY faculty members pursuing original research in their various disciplines with curious and dedicated Macaulay students who are eager to learn more about a given academic field of inquiry. Students will learn through hands-on research experience under active supervision.

The Macaulay Research Assistantship Program runs during the Fall and Spring semesters only. Students can search for a “Macaulay Research Assistantship” by visiting Handshake and viewing the open positions. Students will need to submit:

  • Resume: 1 page, .pdf format
  • Short Statement: 3 – 4 paragraphs answering the following questions
    • Introducing your academic and personal interests
    • Why you think this research is interesting/important
    • How you will add value to the project

View open positions for the Fall and Spring semesters on Handshake.
Visit Handshake

The faculty mentor will invite the potential student to an interview before choosing a Research Assistant. Discuss this position with your Macaulay Advisor before the interview to best prepare.

Once selected for the position, the student must complete the online Internship Learning Agreement Form (and select “Macaulay Honors College” as the employer) for further information view the Internship Learning Agreement Handbook. IMPORTANT: Must be submitted no later than the second week of their internship. We highly recommend students submit as soon as they accept the offer. Be sure your Macaulay Advisor and Faculty member both approve the Internship Learning Agreement. The Career Development Office will give final approval for your participation.

At the end of your internship, you must submit an online Internship Evaluation Form once you complete the internship.

Additionally, the student and faculty member are required to participate in the Research Expo at the end of the semester. Research Assistants are expected to present the findings of their research for 3-5 minutes each.

Some research assistantships may not provide financial compensation but nonetheless offer significant learning experiences. The Opportunities Fund can be used to cover the cost of an experience that meets the Macaulay Honors College definition of an internship/research but is unpaid and for which you do not receive academic credit. Additionally, the Opportunities Fund can be used to finance travel expenses associated with internships/research outside New York City. You may also be eligible for a grant from the New York Community Trust. Speak to your Advisor about funds available to support your internship before applying.

Accessing the Opportunities Fund

There are summer research opportunities in labs across the country.  Formal programs are paid, include seminars and mentoring, and can be highly competitive.

  • Research Experiences for Undergraduates supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.

Note:  programs often require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status.

CUNY Faculty interested in finding a Research Assistant can post the opportunity through the form below. We accept applications and post projects for the Summer semesters only. There is no deadline but we ask that faculty post projects at least a month before the proposed start date.

Post a Research Opportunity

If you need assistance, please feel free to contact:

Rebecca Zimmerman

Rebecca Zimmerman
Assistant Director of Career Development

Macaulay Honors College
rebecca.zimmerman@mhc.cuny.edu
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Internships

See a list of organizations that offer internships and learn how Macaulay students land key roles around New York City.