Contacting PI's NIH IRTA

[Imrizzle]

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Hey all I finished my application for the NIH's IRTA program back in december and I have been contacting PI's since late December and now. I've e-mailed about 10 or so mostly after my winter break,and am still searching for more PI's that I'm interested in and emailing them.
I was wondering if anyone that has had experience with this program on getting into a lab? I have come to an understanding that people have better luck when they contact the PI's themselves...one specific question I have on this is what do generally say in these e-mails?

Also how much does past research experience play into getting into a lab? I have had some research experience but it was generally technical as in I didn't really do anything to get published, but I did learn much about what the lab studied and various research methods and skills, and I am willing to learn more. Are they ok with people still willing to learn more about research?

I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thank You!

 

[DAPI]

This is the only response I got when I asked this same question back in November.

I was a post-bac 09-10. When I emailed I briefly explained my past research experience in the email (paragraph or 2) and then maybe and sentence or 2 about why I was interested in their Research. They might not even open the other documents if the email is not enticing enough.

I would wait til the spring to send anything out though (you can go ahead and post your application of you want I think). If the labs are looking to hire someone to start over the summer, they will not waste time reading application materials now.

 

[ilikeargyle]

I was a post-bac 09-10. When I emailed I briefly explained my past research experience in the email (paragraph or 2) and then maybe and sentence or 2 about why I was interested in their Research. They might not even open the other documents if the email is not enticing enough.

I would wait til the spring to send anything out though (you can go ahead and post your application of you want I think). If the labs are looking to hire someone to start over the summer, they will not waste time reading application materials now.

I disagree with the second part of this. I'm looking for an IRTA position now, and started emailing PIs in November. I finished my official application (with the references) mid-January and started contacting more. I've been getting responses now, and from a phone interview earlier this week, the PI stated most are looking to make final decisions this month. Maybe I'll get more later, and maybe this PI is wrong, but finish your application as soon as possible, and email as many now. The early bird gets the worm. It seems like there are a lot of budget cuts/funding issues though, FYI, from some of the responses I've been getting.

Hey all I finished my application for the NIH's IRTA program back in december and I have been contacting PI's since late December and now. I've e-mailed about 10 or so mostly after my winter break,and am still searching for more PI's that I'm interested in and emailing them.
I was wondering if anyone that has had experience with this program on getting into a lab? I have come to an understanding that people have better luck when they contact the PI's themselves...one specific question I have on this is what do generally say in these e-mails?

Also how much does past research experience play into getting into a lab? I have had some research experience but it was generally technical as in I didn't really do anything to get published, but I did learn much about what the lab studied and various research methods and skills, and I am willing to learn more. Are they ok with people still willing to learn more about research?

If you want my two cents, my emails generally had a portion introducing myself and my career goals. I think having clear career goals help, from the responses I've been getting. Then I explained my previous research experience and general interests (i.e. Are you interested in cancer? Immunology? Biochemistry? HIV? Neuroscience? Specific diseases?) Then I said I found their labpage, etc. and inquired about a position. Attached my CV for reference, and said my official application is complete (with references) in case they wanted to find more. Be short, but specific/non-generic.

I think previous research experience helps. No one wants to train you for the entire length of the position. Less training generally means you can get more done. Not to mention training someone is a huge investment of time and effort.

I believe the whole point of the program is for postbaccalaureates to learn more about research...

Good luck! Hopefully we'll both end up in DC 😀

 

[levodopa]

^^ That's what I did and I got a few interviews on the NIH campus, a couple of offers, and ended up at my top choice. Good luck with the application process. This is really a unique program and it sets you up so well for medical school. The pre-medical committee/office at NIH is outstanding and they're really there to help you with everything from writing your PS to taking the MCAT.

Remember, e-mail everyone and their mother. I probably e-mailed about 25 PIs. BUT make sure to include why you're interested in their particular research. I had a sort of general outline for each e-mail but I included a paragraph on why I would work well in their lab, what techniques I could bring, and what papers of theirs I read that interested me.

 

[leeyuhang]

good luck!
I was lucky that I was contacted after they saw my application. I think past research experience helps alot. I don't have a stellar GPA so I was surprised when I was emailed by labs I never looked up. I guess at least this means people do look through the applications.
I also emailed 2 PI's and had a long description of why I wanted to work in their lab and I got a response from one of them for an interview.
I sent my things in at the end of December and received responses in the middle of January. Hope this helps!

 

[Imrizzle]

Thank you for your reply! I have been emailing PI's since mid January as well after I submitted my application at the end of December. I've emailed about 15 and I haven't heard much back from anyone which makes me worry if my emails or my CV isn't any good. I have gotten a few replies stating that they do not have room and such, but that has been it so far. I'm just worried I might have started emailing too late in the game and most labs are filled up by now. Even so I'm still e-mailing as fast as I can, I try to read some of the PI's work and such before emailing and such so it still takes some time.

I have had some research experience but like I said it was pretty general and was just some technical work like RNA extractions, and culture preps and RT-PCR.

Thanks again for your reply and good luck to you also!

 

[vapor90]

^^ That's what I did and I got a few interviews on the NIH campus, a couple of offers, and ended up at my top choice. Good luck with the application process. This is really a unique program and it sets you up so well for medical school. The pre-medical committee/office at NIH is outstanding and they're really there to help you with everything from writing your PS to taking the MCAT.

Remember, e-mail everyone and their mother. I probably e-mailed about 25 PIs. BUT make sure to include why you're interested in their particular research. I had a sort of general outline for each e-mail but I included a paragraph on why I would work well in their lab, what techniques I could bring, and what papers of theirs I read that interested me.

This. I emailed about 40. All it takes is one to like you so email away. I was interested in neuro so I tried to contact everyone in NINDS that was doing something interesting.

 

[phonyreal98]

So I submitted my application last week and I still have one recommendation to be uploaded...should I start contacting PIs right now (since I seem to be a bit behind) or wait for the last LOR to be uploaded?

 

[vapor90]

So I submitted my application last week and I still have one recommendation to be uploaded...should I start contacting PIs right now (since I seem to be a bit behind) or wait for the last LOR to be uploaded?

start now. the bulk of your app is already in the database for them to access whenever they want. spots fill up quick so don't wait.

 

[ilikeargyle]

EDIT: And, if you emailed before your application was complete, follow up with another email updating them that your application is complete with the references.
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Just another note, but I had another phone interview (kind of... it was like a pre-interview) today, and she stated most are looking to make decisions about postbaccalaureates by the end of February. I'm sure you can get one later, but I'm guessing the PIs deciding now are the more organized ones...

Don't give up hope! I also have had some pretty general research experience- molecular cloning, western blotting (although I could barely remember how to do one now, it's been so long...) and while I didn't put it on my application, some TC. I think they're going to expect the first couple of weeks to be training. And I think it's what you get out of your previous experience overall that counts. How are you listing it under your CV? i.e. Do you have a clear statement indicating what you were studying knowledge-wise and scientifically, not just the technical skills you were learning? The overall focus of the lab?

I contacted/was contacted by 25 PIs, and got 3 phone interviews. I could give you more details about the number of immediate denials, lack of funding, etc. since I kept an Excel sheet of it all... It's a low yield, but like everyone else is saying, get the emails out and luck should find you. Email a couple a day at this point. IMO, the emails really do not have to be super, super specific... but then again maybe they do given my low yield. I don't think it's necessary to have read their publications for instance. If I did, I just said I quickly looked through some of their publications on PubMed. Generally I said I read their research interests (which were related to my general interests), which I think is enough for a PI. You're only an undergraduate, you're not applying for a postdoctoral position. Be specific enough so the PI knows you read their research summary and you are interested in the general field.

I just got word today of an offer and it's with my first choice, so I'm super excited!

And maybe I'm wrong, but I was told PIs can't access your application until it is complete with everything, including all 3 references. Starting emailing now, but be aware of this possibility. I think my references definitely helped, because I have a fairly average transcript...

If you haven't already, I would also subscribe to the Yahoo group, clubpcr. There have been a couple of IRTA positions posted, and you can post as well.

Good luck to those applying! Hopefully I'll see you all there!

 

[phonyreal98]

EDIT: And, if you emailed before your application was complete, follow up with another email updating them that your application is complete with the references.
----
Just another note, but I had another phone interview (kind of... it was like a pre-interview) today, and she stated most are looking to make decisions about postbaccalaureates by the end of February. I'm sure you can get one later, but I'm guessing the PIs deciding now are the more organized ones...

Don't give up hope! I also have had some pretty general research experience- molecular cloning, western blotting (although I could barely remember how to do one now, it's been so long...) and while I didn't put it on my application, some TC. I think they're going to expect the first couple of weeks to be training. And I think it's what you get out of your previous experience overall that counts. How are you listing it under your CV? i.e. Do you have a clear statement indicating what you were studying knowledge-wise and scientifically, not just the technical skills you were learning? The overall focus of the lab?

I contacted/was contacted by 25 PIs, and got 3 phone interviews. I could give you more details about the number of immediate denials, lack of funding, etc. since I kept an Excel sheet of it all... It's a low yield, but like everyone else is saying, get the emails out and luck should find you. Email a couple a day at this point. IMO, the emails really do not have to be super, super specific... but then again maybe they do given my low yield. I don't think it's necessary to have read their publications for instance. If I did, I just said I quickly looked through some of their publications on PubMed. Generally I said I read their research interests (which were related to my general interests), which I think is enough for a PI. You're only an undergraduate, you're not applying for a postdoctoral position. Be specific enough so the PI knows you read their research summary and you are interested in the general field.

I just got word today of an offer and it's with my first choice, so I'm super excited!

And maybe I'm wrong, but I was told PIs can't access your application until it is complete with everything, including all 3 references. Starting emailing now, but be aware of this possibility. I think my references definitely helped, because I have a fairly average transcript...

If you haven't already, I would also subscribe to the Yahoo group, clubpcr. There have been a couple of IRTA positions posted, and you can post as well.

Good luck to those applying! Hopefully I'll see you all there!

Will the moderator let you join clubpcr without actually being an IRTA?

 

[levodopa]

Will the moderator let you join clubpcr without actually being an IRTA?

Yes.

 

[DAPI]

I emailed the person in charge of the IRTA program and they said once your application is submitted, regardless of if your LORs are in, PIs can see your application.

 

[leeyuhang]

EDIT: And, if you emailed before your application was complete, follow up with another email updating them that your application is complete with the references.
----
Just another note, but I had another phone interview (kind of... it was like a pre-interview) today, and she stated most are looking to make decisions about postbaccalaureates by the end of February. I'm sure you can get one later, but I'm guessing the PIs deciding now are the more organized ones...

Don't give up hope! I also have had some pretty general research experience- molecular cloning, western blotting (although I could barely remember how to do one now, it's been so long...) and while I didn't put it on my application, some TC. I think they're going to expect the first couple of weeks to be training. And I think it's what you get out of your previous experience overall that counts. How are you listing it under your CV? i.e. Do you have a clear statement indicating what you were studying knowledge-wise and scientifically, not just the technical skills you were learning? The overall focus of the lab?

I contacted/was contacted by 25 PIs, and got 3 phone interviews. I could give you more details about the number of immediate denials, lack of funding, etc. since I kept an Excel sheet of it all... It's a low yield, but like everyone else is saying, get the emails out and luck should find you. Email a couple a day at this point. IMO, the emails really do not have to be super, super specific... but then again maybe they do given my low yield. I don't think it's necessary to have read their publications for instance. If I did, I just said I quickly looked through some of their publications on PubMed. Generally I said I read their research interests (which were related to my general interests), which I think is enough for a PI. You're only an undergraduate, you're not applying for a postdoctoral position. Be specific enough so the PI knows you read their research summary and you are interested in the general field.

I just got word today of an offer and it's with my first choice, so I'm super excited!

And maybe I'm wrong, but I was told PIs can't access your application until it is complete with everything, including all 3 references. Starting emailing now, but be aware of this possibility. I think my references definitely helped, because I have a fairly average transcript...

If you haven't already, I would also subscribe to the Yahoo group, clubpcr. There have been a couple of IRTA positions posted, and you can post as well.

Good luck to those applying! Hopefully I'll see you all there!

This, great advice.
And congrats!
I'm waiting on decisions now but I'm also going to visit the labs I've talked to in DC. I'm super impressed by how one of the labs arranges for the students to go there and have a full day interview.

 

[jjanssen]

I am also in the process of applying to the NIH IRTA program. I am wondering how exactly you are going about finding PIs to contact. I found information about labs by going to the individual NIH divisions, however as I am sure you know, there are volumes upon volumes of information and research being done. Any help as to how to find PIs with your interests that would be great!

 

[ilikeargyle]

I am also in the process of applying to the NIH IRTA program. I am wondering how exactly you are going about finding PIs to contact. I found information about labs by going to the individual NIH divisions, however as I am sure you know, there are volumes upon volumes of information and research being done. Any help as to how to find PIs with your interests that would be great!

Use the NIH Intramural Annual Research Reports- there should be a link on the NIH IRTA webpage. Search for a specific disease or research field. I used this quite a bit. The more specific you are, the less results you will get (if you're really looking to narrow the field)

Otherwise I just went webpage by webpage of each lab. Ignored institutes I knew I wasn't interested in (e.g. NIAAA, NIEHS, NINDS). It's time consuming, but if you just set a block of time and do it, you can find a lot of PIs that interest you. Also looked through the pdf file of the postbac poster day program (it's on the right side of the NIH IRTA webpage) and scanned for interesting projects, then searched for the preceptor.

 

[Imrizzle]

Thanks for the replies again from everyone. All very helpful. I have been emailing as much as I can, its very time consuming since I am trying to write meaningful emails and not something generic. I am still quite concerned I applied to this too late but I am still very motivated in finding a lab and landing this internship.

 

[jlescher]

I applied to the IRTA program last summer. I contacted one PI that I was interested in working for and he didn't have a position open. I was contacted by one PI whom I interviewed with and he was kind of a snob. I did about 3 years of work as an undergrad using a calcium binding protein (aequorin) to attenuate stoke damage. I asked him if he was familiar with the protein and he proceeded to give me the scientific history of aequorin. Needless to say I didn't agree to work for him. About two weeks later I was contacted by another PI and was interviewed by a postdoc and a fellow from the lab. The PI called me about 10 minutes later and told me I had the position if I wanted it. My best advice is to be knowledgeable and excited about research. I had a great deal of experience and it was a contributing factor to me being hired. If you have less, but some exposure to lab techniques, make sure you can speak eloquently about them at the very least. PIs don't expect you to have a great deal of experience but if you can at least talk the talk and show you understand techniques and applications it means a lot.

I've been in the lab for about 6 months now and it's great. It seems as though there are a few people who didn't have great experiences with their PI/labs and I can see how that may happen. In my opinion, you need to make sure the lab is the right fit for you as well. If you are dead set on the IRTA and you are will to take what ever you can get then you risk becoming a work horse but that isn't always so bad. You are still likely to learn some valuable techniques. Some Pis just aren't that good, but most want to see you succeed and the bottom line is, you will probably get out what you put in.

Money seems to be the biggest perk of the NIH/IRTA program (I don't mean salary, I mean research funding). If you are motivated and come up with a great idea there is a pretty good chance you can run with it. This is very unlikely at university labs due to funding constrains when you are a post-bac.

Hope this helps!

 

[miz]

Hi! My advice:
- Don't worry as much about the official application/upload as much as about emailing PIs. I never actually filled out an application for the website. Instead I contacted PIs and the one I eventually chose had his administrative assistant upload all the documents for me. This saved me (and you!) time because I could start emailing PIs before having asked profs for recs, writing a research statement, etc.
- Email a brief cover letter (in the text of the email) and a CV. If they're looking to hire a postbac they will almost certainly open the CV. Put "Postbac IRTA" or something similar in the subject header.
- Start emailing now if you're looking for a spot beginning in summer. I started in probably Jan-Feb; some profs hadn't decided but I simply emailed again a month later for those. I ended up picking a lab which made me an offer right away, in February I believe. But it's not too late; there are year round spots; you just might have to start a little later.
- Gordon Conference and other conferences are one place to look for PIs (pick your subject of interest, ctrl-f + 'NIH'); I also used the websites and to a lesser degree the Annual Research Reports. If you're not sure where to start I'd suggest starting with the NCI, NHLBI, and NIAID- the 3 largest institutes and the 3 which hire the bulk (but not all) of postbacs.
- it's the same as anything else: the stronger your application, the fewer you might need to apply to; the more uncertain your application, the more professors you should email. Most people (70% according to the FAES director) will eventually find a position.
- Join the Yahoo! group (clubPCR); you don't have to be a postbac to join and people post housing, IRTA positions, etc. there.

Good luck!

 

[blkeydfu8er]

good luck!
I was lucky that I was contacted after they saw my application. I think past research experience helps alot. I don't have a stellar GPA so I was surprised when I was emailed by labs I never looked up. I guess at least this means people do look through the applications.
I also emailed 2 PI's and had a long description of why I wanted to work in their lab and I got a response from one of them for an interview.
I sent my things in at the end of December and received responses in the middle of January. Hope this helps!

Hi!

I was always told to keep the emails short because PIs are incredibly busy individuals, and if they see a lengthy email, most may automatically ignore it. How true is this?

 

[leeyuhang]

It really depends on the person. Some people are just better with emails than others.
I've always gone with long emails that I spent a long time drafting just to show them my serious interest. Wrote about things that I feel aren't available from just briefly looking at their bio on a website.
You have nothing to lose by writing a letter that shows genuine interest.
good luck!!