I need help getting a research position....

[ZRCMed]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

So, I'm trying pretty hard to get some research experience. I really want to get my foot in the door now, because It's something that I really am interested in. However, I'm having some difficulty putting that in writing. I'm filling out an interest form for my University's bio research institute. It says to write a personal statement telling why I'm interested in research, future plans, why I want to work with one of their faculty members, and what fields I'm interested in. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure what they're wanting to see in a paper like this. As far as fields i'm interested in...should I put down medicinal and clinical research? Again, I don't know what they're looking for. If I could get some assistance from people who went through this and were successful...I would be greatly appreciative.

 

[Omni]

A suggestion for your personal statement:
I wouldn't write that for my future plan, I want to go for an MD. This is because MANY pre med students go into a lab, finish their work within a year, and just leave. They do it just to write it on their resume or PS for med school. So saying that you want to be a doctor may count against you since pre med students have become notorious for doing stuff just for med school and less so because of sole interest.
Since you are saying that you are really interesed in research, you can always write: my future is undecided. I may go for a pHD in biology and continue research, although I'm also open to other things, such as medicine, government jobs, etc. etc.

And as for getting a research job, it varies from university to university, but in my school, almost every professor (even my history professior!) was involved in research. You can literally go up to any professor and ask them if you can work with them for their research, and if not, they will always offer you a suggestion of where to go (ask them if they don't)

 

[kami333]

In the past I've written about how I was always interested in how things work and would frequently take toys apart and "modify" rather than play with them (probably should have been an bioengineer rather than just biology, lol). Try to think of specific topics that you've learned in class that interest you and explain why you think its interesting.

As for fields, I think they are looking for something a little more specific, such as being interested in neuroscience or development, or WNT signaling pathway, rather than just saying I want to do research in "biology".

Assuming this is more of an introduction to research oppurtunity rather than a honors thesis funding, they don't expect you to have a project already thought out, they just want to know that you are genuinely interested in science and aren't just looking for a EC since your summer job, etc didn't work out.

 

[CyclistOK]

More important than that form is probably contacting individual professors and getting to know them.

 

[austinap]

So, I'm trying pretty hard to get some research experience. I really want to get my foot in the door now, because It's something that I really am interested in. However, I'm having some difficulty putting that in writing. I'm filling out an interest form for my University's bio research institute. It says to write a personal statement telling why I'm interested in research, future plans, why I want to work with one of their faculty members, and what fields I'm interested in. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure what they're wanting to see in a paper like this. As far as fields i'm interested in...should I put down medicinal and clinical research? Again, I don't know what they're looking for. If I could get some assistance from people who went through this and were successful...I would be greatly appreciative.

I wouldn't worry about your personal statement too much. Just don't say anything ridiculous or that could be taken as offensive or very closed minded, and you'll be fine.

More important is having good grades in relevant classes, a good rec letter or two, etc. I'd also suggest spending a little bit of time trying to get to know some researchers in the institute that you're applying for. Even getting to know grad students or post-docs can be helpful, if for no other reason than you'll be able to talk about potential projects a little more competently.

If a PI likes you or gets suggestions to take you, they can make it work.

 

[rocketbooster]

your grades don't even matter for getting a research position. it's all about your connections, who you know and so forth. 50% of getting a good job is connections. there are many ppl applying for that same job with the same credentials. you need to have something that makes you unique, which is usually actually knowing the employer, some employees there, etc.

like someone else mentioned, you need to get to know the professor. referrals really help a lot, so ask your professors if they know of anyone. then, you can email the names they give you and tell them "Dr. Soandso told me you are looking for a research assistant. I have the following experience..."

generally, you need some research experience in order to be competitive to apply. the easiest way to get that first experience is offering to volunteer in a lab or work in a lab for college credit. sometimes the PI who you volunteer for will even hire you if they have a spot available. if they don't have a spot open, they will at least write you a good rec in order to get a job elsewhere. 👍

 

[austinap]

your grades don't even matter for getting a research position. it's all about your connections, who you know and so forth. 50% of getting a good job is connections. there are many ppl applying for that same job with the same credentials. you need to have something that makes you unique, which is usually actually knowing the employer, some employees there, etc.

You're right to a point, however bad grades will definitely hurt your chances. It's kind of a threshold thing: if you meet their cutoff, it doesn't matter if you have a 3.8 or a 4.0. However, if you're below their cutoff you're going to have a tough time.