Applying to an NIH Postbac without biomedical research experience?

[deleted895369]

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I will be taking a gap year and will be applying to the NIH postbac program. However, I have no biomedical research experience (only will have taken intro-level bio labs by the time I graduate), so I know virtually no biological research techniques.

I do have two years of research experience in polymer chemistry, specifically in electrochemistry and battery/supercapacitor fabrication.

I have two questions:
1. Am I limited in which labs I should apply to? (I'm interested in virology/bacteriology, but my educational background fits more with computational biophysics)
2. How can I frame my skills in my cover letter if I'm applying to labs in a completely different research area?

Thanks!

 

[deleted1011020]

I will be taking a gap year and will be applying to the NIH postbac program. However, I have no biomedical research experience (only will have taken intro-level bio labs by the time I graduate), so I know virtually no biological research techniques.

I do have two years of research experience in polymer chemistry, specifically in electrochemistry and battery/supercapacitor fabrication.

I have two questions:
1. Am I limited in which labs I should apply to? (I'm interested in virology/bacteriology, but my educational background fits more with computational biophysics)
2. How can I frame my skills in my cover letter if I'm applying to labs in a completely different research area?

Thanks!

I applied as well just in case but have several friends at the program now.

1. yes, its going to be harder but not impossible if you have good stats/can network with people in a lab.
2. Id highlight your educational background, interests, and any life experiences that might drive you toward studying the field.

If its a lab that is in a different research area, just read their work and explain why it calls you.

The application process is very active. What I mean by this is that you have to reach out to the PIs and staff scientists yourself. I've heard of only 1 case where someone let their app sit in the application system and they got a call.

To add to this: a huge plus to the labs is if you can stay for over a year. Be sure to mention this when you email the PIs and staff scientists. Always e-mail both because the PIs can be unresponsive.

 

[aldol16]

With the NIH programs, I think the most important part is finding a PI. You shouldn't be submitting your application blind because everyone else will be reaching out to PIs and connecting that way.