Cold emails to professors for research positions--how to do it?

[Shpamme]

Oh gosh, how excited am I that I FINALLY have a reason post in the allopathic forum and not the pre-allo forum?!?

I just got accepted to med school, and, at the risk of seeming overeager and obnoxious--I want to start looking around for research positions. I *know* there's no way for me to handle research right away--I need to wait till I get my bearings, and at least wait until anatomy is over. But I figure looking around and sending feelers out now won't hurt--because knowing myself if I don't do it now, I will be too overwhelmed with work to do it later.

I have some idea of the field I want to research in, and I have a fair deal of molecular research experience and publications. But my last job I got by chance, off a email list. Now that I'm in, I have no idea how to go about getting a research position. Do you cold-email professors?

If so, should you:
1. Have an idea for a particular project in mind? (If this is the case.. how do you get these ideas if you're not creative per se?)
2. Look up professors on Pubmed and see what current/recent projects they have that interest you?
3. Just say you're interested in any topic (which for me, is truly the case because though I've done a lot of molecular research, I've never done clinical research).

What do you say in the cold email? I'm trying to draft one and everything I say seems inordinately stupid to me. These doctors are all super smart..do they really want to hear about my experience and the few molecular papers I've published, or why I'm interested in this field?

Thanks guys..

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[Kris1]

Save the emails and just talk to your professors as you see them in class. That is hands down the best way and you are sure to get an immediate response. You don't necessarily need to have topics in mind. Just let them know you have an interest in clinical research and would like to get a feel for it.

 

[mules05]

Oh gosh, how excited am I that I FINALLY have a reason post in the allopathic forum and not the pre-allo forum?!?

I just got accepted to med school, and, at the risk of seeming overeager and obnoxious--I want to start looking around for research positions. I *know* there's no way for me to handle research right away--I need to wait till I get my bearings, and at least wait until anatomy is over. But I figure looking around and sending feelers out now won't hurt--because knowing myself if I don't do it now, I will be too overwhelmed with work to do it later.

I have some idea of the field I want to research in, and I have a fair deal of molecular research experience and publications. But my last job I got by chance, off a email list. Now that I'm in, I have no idea how to go about getting a research position. Do you cold-email professors?

If so, should you:
1. Have an idea for a particular project in mind? (If this is the case.. how do you get these ideas if you're not creative per se?)
2. Look up professors on Pubmed and see what current/recent projects they have that interest you?
3. Just say you're interested in any topic (which for me, is truly the case because though I've done a lot of molecular research, I've never done clinical research).

What do you say in the cold email? I'm trying to draft one and everything I say seems inordinately stupid to me. These doctors are all super smart..do they really want to hear about my experience and the few molecular papers I've published, or why I'm interested in this field?

Thanks guys..

It is VERY easy to find research positions in med school, especially if you're proactive about it. My suggestion (and what worked for me) was to wait until I started school, and until I was in a block (for me, physio) where I was sure I could handle both the course and research. I asked my dean for suggestions of physicians in a specialty I was interested in, and then contacted those people. My emails to them just explained that I was a first year interested in research in their field and that their name had been suggested to me for this purpose, and asked whether they had any projects they might consider letting me work on or, if not, whether they might be able to pass on names of other physicians who might need help on projects. I think I sent 3 emails, hoping to get one response- within 24 hours I had responses offering me projects from all 3.

I would ask to help with a current project, rather than suggest one, since getting grants for a new project can take forever and many researchers have more projects going on than they can handle themselves.

I also wouldn't even bother trying to "sell yourself" in a cold email- just the fact that you're a medical student is enough for most people. Those who want more details on your research background will ask for it (I had one person request a copy of my CV, but that was it).

Again, I'd wait until you start medical school to solicit research projects, for several reasons:
1. You don't know yet which blocks, if any, will afford you enough time for a project, and it would be worse to start something and flake out later than to never start
2. You're probably much more likely to get a positive response once you can say you're a student- most researchers have many students asking to work, and current med students will get priority over you now.
3. There's really no way to know without talking to someone at the school who are the really great research mentors, the ones for whom you'll actually get to write papers and such rather than just getting them coffee. This may seem like a small point, but it's very important.

Good luck!

 

[Miami_med]

#1: Do you really want to do research in med school?
#2: Do you REALLY want to do research in med school?

Get started at school first. Some will do it, some will like it, but like most of us who even managed to get ourselves published in our undergraduate research careers, you may find that it isn't what you want at the med school level. I only say this because I was like you when I first applied and aggressively sought a research position with cold e-mails. I took a position early in first year, changed specialty directions, and ended up in a difficult position as a result. Just be careful, and remember that research isn't actually necessary to match most specialties. This isn't undergrad.

 

[OncoCaP]

...

I have some idea of the field I want to research in, and I have a fair deal of molecular research experience and publications. But my last job I got by chance, off a email list. Now that I'm in, I have no idea how to go about getting a research position. Do you cold-email professors?

I've done this, so, yes, you can do it. It's actually pretty fun to talk to these profs.

If so, should you:
1. Have an idea for a particular project in mind? (If this is the case.. how do you get these ideas if you're not creative per se?)
2. Look up professors on Pubmed and see what current/recent projects they have that interest you?
3. Just say you're interested in any topic (which for me, is truly the case because though I've done a lot of molecular research, I've never done clinical research).

What do you say in the cold email? I'm trying to draft one and everything I say seems inordinately stupid to me. These doctors are all super smart..do they really want to hear about my experience and the few molecular papers I've published, or why I'm interested in this field?

Don't overthink this. Think about what you want the receiver to know about you (very very briefly) and what you are interested in (again, very briefly).
I kept mine short and to the point about who I am and what I'm interested in. You get bounced around some and eventually will probably find several people who are doing something you might be interested in and usually get many helpful suggestions. I would be very clear about the fact that you are an entering MD student and are looking for something very flexible you can do on the side while you are taking classes. Most of these profs are very nice and very helpful (at least in my experience at this stage). PM me if you have specific concerns.

Like others have said, at this stage, you're just learning about what the research opportunities are. You don't want to commit to anything beyond maybe a 2-week micro-project until maybe 6 months down the road after you've aced a few tests and are ready for more work with confidence.

 

[deleted77919]

Also, don't send an e-mail or talk to professors about research if the conversation will go anything like this:

You: I'm really interested in what your lab is researching, I was wondering if there are any projects I can help you guys with.

PI: That's great, actually there is a project I think would be perfect for you, it involves blah, blah, blah. I could really use some help with this, when do you want to start and how many hours a week can you committ to?

You: Actually, I thought I'd see how my classes start, maybe, you know, finish anatomy. Maybe even wait until I get settled into the spring, I've heard histo is kinda tough. How does March 2008 sound to you?

PI: Um . . . no, that doesn't sound so good to me.

Moral of the story, wait until you are reasonable close to the time you want to start looking to find a spot.

 

[Tired Pigeon]

It is VERY easy to find research positions in med school, especially if you're proactive about it. My suggestion (and what worked for me) was to wait until I started school, and until I was in a block (for me, physio) where I was sure I could handle both the course and research. I asked my dean for suggestions of physicians in a specialty I was interested in, and then contacted those people. My emails to them just explained that I was a first year interested in research in their field and that their name had been suggested to me for this purpose, and asked whether they had any projects they might consider letting me work on or, if not, whether they might be able to pass on names of other physicians who might need help on projects. I think I sent 3 emails, hoping to get one response- within 24 hours I had responses offering me projects from all 3.

I would ask to help with a current project, rather than suggest one, since getting grants for a new project can take forever and many researchers have more projects going on than they can handle themselves.

I also wouldn't even bother trying to "sell yourself" in a cold email- just the fact that you're a medical student is enough for most people. Those who want more details on your research background will ask for it (I had one person request a copy of my CV, but that was it).

Again, I'd wait until you start medical school to solicit research projects, for several reasons:
1. You don't know yet which blocks, if any, will afford you enough time for a project, and it would be worse to start something and flake out later than to never start
2. You're probably much more likely to get a positive response once you can say you're a student- most researchers have many students asking to work, and current med students will get priority over you now.
3. There's really no way to know without talking to someone at the school who are the really great research mentors, the ones for whom you'll actually get to write papers and such rather than just getting them coffee. This may seem like a small point, but it's very important.

Good luck!

Listen to the mule.
👍

 

[naegleria brain]

last post before bed:

chill out buddy. don't email them just yet, wait to see how the block goes, then email them. when they start pushing work on you you may feel compelled to agree and then get buried alive by all the work.

med school is full of doctors doing research and theyre only too happy to get help. many will push it on you, don't agree to get onboard immediately! you might find yourself doing something you hate.

when the time comes and youre in physio and say "i can handle this and research" now's the time. someone here mentioned talking to your professors; i'd caution you on this. for me, first year was all phd profs. thus, they dont have connections and sweet hookups at other institutions when residency match-time comes along. i'd advise you to research with a clinician or have clinican-contact who can help you out when the time comes. it's always nice to have that opportunity

do you have a field youre interested in? one thing that you WILL have time for is shadowing. on weekends, shadow a doctor for an hour or too and think if you could see yourself doing it. by the end of anatomy, you'll have a pretty good idea of what you MIGHT be interested in, and email those guys in that field saying your interested, an M1, blah blah blah. nothing unique.

they want you to help them, so just help them with research. after doing it for a year, you'll know what's up and can start suggesting ideas for new projects. if it's really good, he/she'll help you get it started so you can run it. dont worry now, thats not till next year till youve got some more experience with clinical research

its not a big deal, dont freak out. i emailed about 30 doctors, got about 10 responses, met with most of them, did research with 3. then again, i hated first year and used research as an excuse not to study, so i dont recommend doing that.

 

[Shpamme]

hey you guys,

you guys are spectacular--thank you SO MUCH for the responses..especially the advice to wait until classes are underway and I know how much I can handle before approaching professors. i think that's really sound advice. i was under the impression everything would be taken by the time i get there, but from what you guys are saying it doesn't seem like it, so that's very reassuring. it's also reassuring because i'd much rather NOT add heaps of work onto myself first semester..for some reason i assumed everyone researched right when they got there.

all the suggestions about HOW to approach the professors (e.g. talking in class, asking to shadow first, etc) and what to say are really helpful too--thanks for taking the time to write.

 

[ANCAdoc]

I'd recommend waiting to approach the profs until the time gets closer to when you want to start.

That being said, I would encourage you to start looking at the faculty rosters listed on the dept websites to see what you may be interested in doing. I'd pick a few labs that are active in publishing (look up the PI on PUBMED) and have grant money (search the CRISP database to see if they have NIH funding - http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/; to access click "query form" tab). A history of funding and more than one current grant are really good signs (that is, they are more likely to be able to pay you and more likely to do quality science that results in pubs). Lots of papers by the PI (>3-5/yr) with lots of funding improves your chances of getting published. These will help when applying for residencies.

Once you find some really active labs, feel free to stop by their offices and just chat with them. Ask about their work and ask if you can visit the lab (make sure you talk with any students that might be working there). Most profs enjoy talking with students (in my opinion). Let them know you are interested in their research and get a feel if they may have summer positions available for your summer between MSI and II. If so, they get put on your list.

Then, in Jan or Feb send an email to the PI you really want to work with and ask for a position. Send your CV with the email. It makes you look professional. The fact that you already have pubs will impress them and make it easier for them to choose you.

If the PI says yes, then negotiate your hourly rate. If he says no, then email the PI next on your list. Good luck!

 

[Shpamme]

I'd pick a few labs that are active in publishing (look up the PI on PUBMED) and have grant money (search the CRISP database to see if they have NIH funding - http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/; to access click "query form" tab). A history of funding and more than one current grant are really good signs (that is, they are more likely to be able to pay you and more likely to do quality science that results in pubs). Lots of papers by the PI (>3-5/yr) with lots of funding improves your chances of getting published. These will help when applying for residencies.

This is excellent!! Thank you SO MUCH for this resource--I never knew about it!

Hourly rate?!?? Dang, I totally thought these were volunteer positions!

 

[ANCAdoc]

This is excellent!! Thank you SO MUCH for this resource--I never knew about it!

Hourly rate?!?? Dang, I totally thought these were volunteer positions!

No problem. Most people don't know about this database.

Yes, NEVER work for free. You can always find $$. If the lab can't pay you then the school might have resources (but, if the lab doesnt have $$ to pay you that isnt a good sign). The lab I worked for hired quite a few students over the summers (2-5).

 

[OncoCaP]

No problem. Most people don't know about this database.

Yes, NEVER work for free. You can always find $$. If the lab can't pay you then the school might have resources (but, if the lab doesnt have $$ to pay you that isnt a good sign). The lab I worked for hired quite a few students over the summers (2-5).

What is your background, IUSM? How did you figure all this stuff out (thanks, by the way!)?

 

[chrisjohn]

Find an MD doing research. He/she will hook you up. Stay away from most the of normally aspirated PhDs.

 

[TheGalvaniFrog]

So MD researchers are much more preferrable to PhDs? I understand that a MD is more likely to have connections relevant for the residency later on, but it seems that limiting your search to MDs would drastically limit your options. For example, in the faculty roster of a particular department of the school I will be attending, the ratio of MDs to PhDs is roughtly 1:10.

 

[ANCAdoc]

What is your background, IUSM? How did you figure all this stuff out (thanks, by the way!)?

Hey OncoCaP,

I'm a third year med student at IU. I've been doing research since high school (thanks to the American Chemical Society). They matched me with a lab and paid me for two summers and I have been doing it ever since (7 summers with the same lab!).

So, I'm a traditional student but have some expertise in research.

 

[OncoCaP]

Hey OncoCaP,

I'm a third year med student at IU. I've been doing research since high school (thanks to the American Chemical Society). They matched me with a lab and paid me for two summers and I have been doing it ever since (7 summers with the same lab!).

So, I'm a traditional student but have some expertise in research.

Very cool. So what are you doing research in?

 

[ANCAdoc]

So MD researchers are much more preferrable to PhDs?

I wouldn't agree with that. Find the lab you are interested in that is extremely productive, has significant grant funding, and has the ability to pay you.

One of your goals from research should be a publication. This is the goal of your PI (as well as to use it to get funding) and should be one of your goals as well. It doesn't matter if they are an MD or PhD.

BUT, an even better lab scenario would be to find a colloborative, multidiciplinary lab that has both MD's and PhD's. For example, I work with a group that has PhD's and MD's. The PhD's in the group (which is multi-center) have expertise in anatomy, cell biology, pharmacology, physics (and some others). This is the best atmosphere to be in. You will benefit from advice of the PhD's as well as the MD's. HINT: To find one of these groups, use the CRISP database to see if any of the faculty members at your school has a "PO1" grant (The PO1 will be listed early on in the grant # in the database).

A PO1 means a "Program Project Grant". It is given by NIH to fund large multi-center groups. These are fun groups to be around and they are VERY productive. They are generally multi-million dollar grants and are very very hard to get.

Also, look for "RO1" grants. These are what every prof wants (RO1 grants at big institutions = tenure). They are probably the main source of funding driving most research at large medical centers.

 

[ANCAdoc]

Very cool. So what are you doing research in?

Kidney Stones. Pretty cool work.

Urology is #1 on my list right now!