How long will it take to find a job as a research tech/associate?

[TheShaker]

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As I'm making gap year plans, I'm trying to find a job that I can do to make a living and save up for the next application cycle. I've been sending in applications for these jobs for about a week and I'm wondering about the timeline of the application process. How long will it take to hear back on average? I'm worried that I'll graduate and be unemployed for months.

 

[chillaxbro]

I applied for scribe jobs in early march
No response yet

 

[cookiemonsters]

It took me 4 months between starting and getting a job. Getting gap year jobs is brutal without connections.

 

[TheShaker]

Dear god...🙁

 

[TheShaker]

I applied for scribe jobs in early march
No response yet

Off topic: Strong sig bro 😀

 

[chillaxbro]

If you're currently doing research at your university, stick around even after you graduate

Don't let go of your branch until you've got the other one in your hand

Talk to your PI, maybe he/she can hire you as a tech

Or have her ask around for you

 

[TheShaker]

If you're currently doing research at your university, stick around even after you graduate

Don't let go of your branch until you've got the other one in your hand

Talk to your PI, maybe he/she can hire you as a tech

Or have her ask around for you

Well, our lab is slowly losing more and more funding so I can't imagine there will be enough in the budget to pay me a reasonable salary. I'm at a small state school and, with the exception of a few labs, all of our labs run solely on volunteer labor. I still intend to volunteer in the lab after graduation until I find a job but I need to get something together to support myself.

 

[nikoness]

also took me about 4 months. i landed a great job though...i could have maybe gotten one in liek 1 month, but it wouldnt have been as good

 

[TheShaker]

also took me about 4 months. i landed a great job though...i could have maybe gotten one in liek 1 month, but it wouldnt have been as good

Can I ask you for details? How many applications sent, any connections, any experience, etc. Thanks. 🙂

 

[eggs13]

I started applying in February of 2012 and ended up locking something down in late April/Early May to start that summer.

I agree, that trying to find a research job (at least in my experience) was pretty difficult having no connections. Also, in talking to others, mentioning that I was planning on going to medical school was a no-no because employers knew I wouldn't be with them long. I applied to over 20 positions at the local children's hospital and very large state school, and only heard back from 2, was given an offer for 1.

Good luck!

 

[mcloaf]

Funding is tight right now so it's not easy. As others have said it will likely take several months. This will also depend greatly on your geographical limitations--namely, do you live somewhere with a lot of research (Boston, Bay area, etc), and how far are you willing to move for a job.

On the bright side if you're qualified and have solid references you'll probably find something interesting if you're persistent.

 

[TheShaker]

Funding is tight right now so it's not easy. As others have said it will likely take several months. This will also depend greatly on your geographical limitations--namely, do you live somewhere with a lot of research (Boston, Bay area, etc), and how far are you willing to move for a job.

On the bright side if you're qualified and have solid references you'll probably find something interesting if you're persistent.

Well, I live in the OC so I don't have any problem with relocating to San Diego which I hear has a good amount of biotech companies. I don't know if I'm qualified though, most of my research experience is in cellular stuff with limited molecular work. But really, the location is the least of my concerns right now, I'm applying across the country.

 

[Lady Netter]

I started stalking job listings 3-4 months before I actually interviewed and got a job. I applied to several positions - this was the only one I heard back from. I also had previous experience with the same lab techniques that they wanted me to do, so that probably helped a lot. I got lucky in that they only wanted me for a year and were okay with me going to med school (I actually never mentioned it- my previous PI did...thankfully it didn't hurt me). Many labs are going to want at least a 2 year committment.

Good luck! It's not an easy market out there. Funding is low. I'm not sure if they actually replaced my position after I left because of that.

 

[TheShaker]

Bumparoos.

Thanks for the advice so far. Has anyone else been in this situation? How long did it take you?

 

[OldGrandDad]

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