Research Programs and Labs Masthead

Research Volunteer Opportunities

About the Program

The Research Volunteer Program allows participants to be mentored by a Barrow scientist. Students will gain exposure to a research laboratory and learn how bench science leads to published research and eventually translates to clinical advancements. Volunteer opportunities may also be available in the Department of Neuroscience Publications and at the Barrow Neurological Foundation. 

Volunteers will create a schedule that works for them and their department, working either full or part time. You must be at least 16 years old to participate in this program.

Volunteer Opportunities

Translational Neuroscience Research Laboratories

Volunteering in a translational neuroscience research laboratory presents a unique opportunity for prospective neuroscientists to participate in translational research in areas such as:

  • Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementias
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Brain tumors and neuro-oncology
  • Neuroinflammation
  • Neurotrauma
  • Stroke
  • Brain aneurysm and cerebrovascular disorders
brian kelly in the spinal biomechanics laboratory

Sonntag Spine Center

The Sonntag Spine Center at Barrow Neurological Institute is dedicated to advancing the treatment of spinal conditions through collaborative research, trailblazing innovation, and global education.

The Spinal Biomechanics Laboratory studies the mechanical behavior of the spine in its normal condition and after injury, disease, or surgical intervention. Spinal biomechanics researchers work closely with clinical neurosurgeons in the Department of Neurosurgery.

The Spine Virtual Reality Laboratory in the Sonntag Spine Center was established by surgeons for surgeons to allow neurosurgery residents and attendings to design and test innovative surgical training in virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality. We maintain a tight feedback loop between the personnel creating the experience and the surgeons who use the experience to practice and learn.

Neuroscience Publications

The Neuroscience Publications Department leads the academic publishing industry in author services focused entirely on the neurosciences. Our author services include a wide range of projects managed by highly qualified personnel with extensive experience in their fields of expertise: animation, editorial, graphics, illustration, video, and interactive 3D-models.

Barrow Foundation

Philanthropy plays a key role in advancing healthcare. At Barrow, philanthropy focuses on three main pillars of support: patient care, research, and education through comprehensive fundraising efforts that include major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundations, annual fund donors, employee giving, and events.

How to Apply

Please confirm with a lab mentor/PI if there is availability to volunteer. You can find all labs and mentors emails at Barrow Neurological Institute here.

Once you have confirmed availability and selection you will be instructed to complete the volunteer application and onboarding documents.

NOTE: Volunteer onboarding has recently changed and can take up to 30 days to complete. Please plan your volunteering accordingly with this time frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit a general application to work with any lab?

At this time, we are not taking a general application. You must connect with someone at Barrow.

What should I ask when I reach out to a mentor/PI?

Introduce yourself and ask if that lab has any volunteer openings. Please include a resume or CV and your volunteer availability. 

I am interested in working with any lab, what should I do?

Due to there being no general application, we suggest that you look into each lab and their research to see what you find most interesting. You can also email several mentors/PIs to see different availability. 

How does onboarding work?

Once a mentor or PI has confirmed your place in their lab, you will be instructed to begin credentialing. This process can take up to 30 days to complete and will include a drug screening and background check if you are over the age of 18. 

Can I see which labs have openings?

Unfortunately, each lab is different and we are not able to track who is willing to take on volunteers at a certain time. You will need to connect with someone at Barrow to confirm their schedule can align with yours!