Getting into Research after Undergrad?

[Wayfinder]

Hello SDN!

I just graduated from undergrad last May and I have been working a non-for-profit, my position here continues until December. I absolutely love my non-for-profit work through the serious fun network. I have been working with chronically ill children but while working with this population over the last 3 years I have developed an interest in research. Seeing the direct need for it.

I have what I would consider minimal research experience, my senior year of undergrad I did a project on gene mutations with tissue culture and put about 230 hours into it and did one presentation at my undergraduate institution's undergrad research showcase. This project was a lot of fun but was only supposed to be temporary position to help students learn biomedical-research basics. It did have some project design but there was a lot of instructor guidance too.

Looking ahead for anytime after December I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how I could break into research post-undergrad? I would need a position that either pays for my living expenses or is flexible enough to allow me to work another position to pay for my living. I also would probably have to relocate because I currently live in a very rural area.

I intend to apply to medical school in June 2019. My current intention is to only apply for MD programs. This would give me potentially up to 18 months to spend at a lab. Seeing that applying next cycle already has me out of school for 2 years, I worry about being away longer due to being afraid of forgetting information from undergrad.

I know of some programs like the NIH post-bac program but am unsure if I would qualify for such a position. Does anyone have any suggestions to programs/jobs/etc that would be a good match for my experience level that could help me farther break into the field? Also I would be very interested in potentially getting into clinical research if anyone is aware of any programs or has any suggestions?

Thank you in your advance for your time and any suggestions you may have!

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[evasive fish]

Looking ahead for anytime after December I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how I could break into research post-undergrad? I would need a position that either pays for my living expenses or is flexible enough to allow me to work another position to pay for my living. I also would probably have to relocate because I currently live in a very rural area.

A research technician/assistant position in an academic lab in a university/medical center would be a good idea for what you're looking for. They're considered entry-level jobs, so you should qualify with your Bachelor's degree (be sure to mention the research experience you had during your senior year, even if it was a short one). These positions are usually in basic science labs, but you could also opt for clinical research, since you mentioned that's among your options as well.
Good luck!

 

[liz10]

Hello SDN!

I just graduated from undergrad last May and I have been working a non-for-profit, my position here continues until December. I absolutely love my non-for-profit work through the serious fun network. I have been working with chronically ill children but while working with this population over the last 3 years I have developed an interest in research. Seeing the direct need for it.

I have what I would consider minimal research experience, my senior year of undergrad I did a project on gene mutations with tissue culture and put about 230 hours into it and did one presentation at my undergraduate institution's undergrad research showcase. This project was a lot of fun but was only supposed to be temporary position to help students learn biomedical-research basics. It did have some project design but there was a lot of instructor guidance too.

Looking ahead for anytime after December I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how I could break into research post-undergrad? I would need a position that either pays for my living expenses or is flexible enough to allow me to work another position to pay for my living. I also would probably have to relocate because I currently live in a very rural area.

I intend to apply to medical school in June 2019. My current intention is to only apply for MD programs. This would give me potentially up to 18 months to spend at a lab. Seeing that applying next cycle already has me out of school for 2 years, I worry about being away longer due to being afraid of forgetting information from undergrad.

I know of some programs like the NIH post-bac program but am unsure if I would qualify for such a position. Does anyone have any suggestions to programs/jobs/etc that would be a good match for my experience level that could help me farther break into the field? Also I would be very interested in potentially getting into clinical research if anyone is aware of any programs or has any suggestions?

Thank you in your advance for your time and any suggestions you may have!

Hi, I think it will be hard for you to get a job. Most places look for people who already have the experience for entry level basic science or clinical research positions. Your most likely chance of getting something is probably in lab because you have some experience from college. I would make sure to hit that point in your cover letters. Occasionally, you will find a position where they don't mind if you have no experience but you really need to play on what experiences you can draw on from the past to help you succeed somewhere you have no experience in. Good luck! Let me know if you have any specific questions. I have been out of school for awhile and have had lab and clinical research jobs.

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[RocuROMANium]

Both comments above are great. I'll just add that when I was searching for paid research positions after undergrad two results kept popping up, research assistant and lab technician. Looking at the job descriptions is very important. RA's at academic healthcare centers do mostly data entry and patient screening. Lab techs mostly keep the lab clean and organized and may even perform basic procedures. However, none of these positions were like research in undergrad where you are utilizing the scientific method, writing a research paper, performing all kinds of experiments, and collaborating with your PI to discuss everyone's findings. So just keep all of that in mind.

Places where I found research assistant positions include academic hospitals/centers, private practice specialists, and medical schools.