Does this count as research?

[theamazingbil]

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Hey guys, I have a quick question. I've searched around for this but I could not find anything similar. I'm an incoming freshman and I'm looking into a position called Environmental & Sustainability "Researcher". The job description says:

> Develop compelling and informative newsletters on a range of environmental topics individually and as part of our team.
> Conduct internet research
> Represent our office at on and off campus events.
> Interact with public.
> Occasional lab work.
> Communicate a passion for the environment

I don't think this counts as research for the most part! I'd just like to know what you guys think since I have no experience with anything like this before. Thanks for any replies!😎😎

 

[theamazingbil]

Please help!😕 Any advice would be greatly appreciated😛

 

[Jepstein30]

Hey guys, I have a quick question. I've searched around for this but I could not find anything similar. I'm an incoming freshman and I'm being offered a position as Environmental & Sustainability "Researcher". The job description says:

> Develop compelling and informative newsletters on a range of environmental topics individually and as part of our team.
> Conduct internet research
> Represent our office at on and off campus events.
> Interact with public.
> Occasional lab work.
> Communicate a passion for the environment

I don't think this counts as research for the most part! I'd just like to know what you guys think since I have no experience with anything like this before. Thanks for any replies!😎😎

Doesn't seem like it would be considered research "for the most part" as the type of research medical schools seem to look for is more hypothesis driven. This seems like you would be doing internet research and doing more of what I would consider a publicist's job.

Ask what "occasional lab work" entails and how often you'll be able to work in the lab. What exactly will you be doing in the lab? If you are going to be able to design your own experiments to evaluate your own hypothesis, sounds like a great opportunity.

It may not be a bad job to take even if it isn't considered research. Do what you want. If you are interested in the job and have the time to do it, go for it. If you are more interested in doing bench work, probably not the job for you.

just my take.

 

[theamazingbil]

Thanks, Jepstein!👍 I will ask about that.

 

[lovesfall]

It sounds almost like a marketing job to me, to be honest.

I agree with the above - ask what the lab work entails. The "internet research" bit will most likely be kind of fluffy.

You can usually land some actual lab work if you email around to professors, especially if you're willing to do it on a volunteer basis. I would recommend finding some people whose research you're interested in (find them on your school site) and then approaching them to see if they have any opportunities. I've worked in academic research for almost 7 years and there is always someone willing to take a motivated student!

 

[theamazingbil]

It sounds almost like a marketing job to me, to be honest.

I agree with the above - ask what the lab work entails. The "internet research" bit will most likely be kind of fluffy.

You can usually land some actual lab work if you email around to professors, especially if you're willing to do it on a volunteer basis. I would recommend finding some people whose research you're interested in (find them on your school site) and then approaching them to see if they have any opportunities. I've worked in academic research for almost 7 years and there is always someone willing to take a motivated student!

Thanks for the help! You're right, it does sound like marketing, and I think I'm going to take a tutoring job instead.