Join The BARC Lab!

Current Lab Openings

Doctoral Graduate Student Position (Fall 2026)

One Ph.D. position is currently available in the BARC Laboratory for September 2026, through the Department of Applied Disability Studies (applications due December 1, 2025). Students with interests in behavior analysis, canine cognition, therapy animals, or animal behavior are encouraged to apply.

Master’s Graduate Student Position (Fall 2026)

Two MA positions are currently available in the BARC Laboratory for September 2026, through the Department of Applied Disability Studies (applications due December 1, 2025). Students with interests in behavior analysis, canine cognition, therapy animals, or animal behavior are encouraged to apply.

About the Positions & Working In Lab

Students will work closely with Dr. Saini and other lab members to collect and analyze operant and respondent behavioral data in domestic dogs. Additional opportunities for research and training include:

  • Analyzing data from wild canid species (e.g., wolves)

  • Longitudinal life-span analyses of dogs

  • Co-teaching courses with Dr. Saini on behavior analysis and/or animal behavior

The Department of Applied Disability Studies at Brock University provides an inter-disciplinary education in psychology, behavior, and culture. Graduate students are are also trained in clinical applications of applied behavior analysis. Within the BARC lab, additional training is available in experimental analysis and animal behavior. The department hosts a virtual open house for interested applicants. Details will be posted on the graduate program website. Dr. Saini and other members of the lab will attend and will be available to talk about the lab.

Applying as a Graduate Student

Dr. Saini accepts Graduate Students through the Department of Applied Disability Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Brock University. For student funding opportunities please see:

Apply Now

Volunteering

BARC is greatly supported by the work of dedicated undergraduate and graduate student volunteers. We welcome those with an interest in the behavior of dogs to work as part of our research team (no prior experience is required!). Our volunteers are typically involved in various stages of research including experimental design, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting at scientific conferences. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us!

A woman sitting on a couch and holding a dog in her lap, petting it while the dog looks at her.
Person reading a book lying on the floor with two dogs nearby, one lying on its back with paws up and the other standing and looking at the book, on a beige carpet.
Two volunteers, a man and a woman, in blue t-shirts labeled 'Volunteer', are caring for a light-colored dog with a medical bandage on one leg, sitting on a white background. The man is gently holding the dog's head while the woman appears to be examining or comforting the dog.

BARC Lab Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Research is for everyone. As we work to deepen our understanding of canine behavior and animal-human relationships, we are dedicated to offering hands-on learning and research experiences for both undergraduate and graduate students.

We actively support and offer inclusive opportunities for men, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and individuals with disabilities.