A23: RA positions are very limited and the demand for them is consistently high, so expect significant competition. This is how things typically work, although exceptions are possible (see also Q34):

• Follow the instructions on the openings page.
• We will discuss your interests and possible research topics/projects.
• I will then give you some papers to read about the topic.
• I will ask you to write up a short paper about the reading to test your writing and communication skills.
• Submit the report, transcripts, and 1-2 references.
• If your writing skills are insufficient, I will unfortunately not be able to hire you as an RA.
• If your writing skills are excellent, you will be able to start working on a small project first.
• If you work well, are productive, and are able to significantly contribute to the lab's success, we will discuss hiring options after1-2 terms.
• If I decide to hire you, you will most likely be paid an hourly rate first for some time.
• We will discuss longer term commitments once I feel confident in your abilities to work as a research assistant.

A24: This is a multi-stage and competitive process (see also Q34). The earlier you start, the better. Start early as the process takes some time. This is how the typical steps look in the beginning, although exceptions are possible:

• If I don't know you yet, please send me your CV and come to the next office hour.
• We will discuss your interests and possible research topics/projects.
• I will then give you a few papers to read about the topic.
• I will ask you to write up a short paper about the reading to test your writing and communication skills.
• Submit the report, transcripts, and 1-2 references
• If your writing skills are insufficient, I will unfortunately not be able to work with you on a thesis.
• If your writing skills are excellent, you will be able to start working on a small project first.
• If all goes well, this project will lead to a thesis.

A26: Here is a list of some of my expectations:

• Be productive. Make progress every week and keep track of it carefully on the wiki. Learn something new every week.
• Be reliable. Assume responsibility, be honest, be on time, deliver on a promise.
• Be creative, inventive, and be willing to take some risk.
  • E.g.: If you are stuck, do a bit of research, ask lab mates.
  • E.g.: Propose a solution, implement it, test it, show it to me.
  • E.g.: Don't ask me to test your solutions, instead provide me with enough evidence that makes me believe it works.
• Be passionate about your work.
• Be connected. Connect with lab mates, help to build a creative and inspiring team. Attend the lab meetings. Stay informed. Check the wiki for news and updates, subscribe to the lab calendar.

A28: No, not without an appointment. I do only meet with students during my office hour and/or by appointment. So please do not call me from the FAB20 door outside office hours. For an appointment, see question Q20.

A34: The following diagram summarizes the hiring procedure.

A37: The simple answer is no, I'm afraid. I hear this a lot. Students regularly come back and ask for a second chance and argue they could improve. I clearly told you to give your best the very first time. If that's not enough, it's not enough. I also tell every student to stop by in case of questions. So I consider it quite a lame excuse if you stop by afterwards and claim you didn't know how to proceed. 

A41: That depends on a number of factors, the most important ones being how well you work and how much money I have available. If you do great work, chances are very good you'll get an RA or a TA position. I make every effort to pay all students and to reward great work, but the resources are sometimes very limited and unpredictable.