Is it too late for NIH IRTA (story inside)

[Meddizzle]

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I applied to NIH IRTA in January as a fallback option if my application to MD/PhD did not work out. I received an offer early February at a lab at the NIBIB, which I was extremely excited about, but unfortunately they were not willing to hold the spot for me since I was still waiting on some MD/PhD decisions. They held the spot for a week, but I did not get all my decisions until 5 weeks later (aka yesterday). Alas, I got rejected from the 13 MD/PhD programs I applied to (I interviewed at 1, more information on that on a Physician-Scientist forum thread I posted earlier today) =[.

Now I am scrambling for a gap year job in research. I will start applying for research assistant jobs, but is it too late for me to contact NIH PI's that I am interested in working with for an NIH IRTA spot?

 

[eteshoe]

It can't hurt to try

 

[KungFuPanda123]

It's not too late. Also, although it's too late now to work in that particular lab, I would've told that PI that you would do it and then back out if you actually did get accepted into an MD/PhD program. People might say it's unethical to do so, but it's common practice in the business world; you need to look out for yourself before the "hurt" feelings of someone.

 

[Meddizzle]

It's not too late. Also, although it's too late now to work in that particular lab, I would've told that PI that you would do it and then back out if you actually did get accepted into an MD/PhD program. People might say it's unethical to do so, but it's common practice in the business world; you need to look out for yourself before the "hurt" feelings of someone.

Yeah, hindsight 20/20. I realized that's what I should have done. At the time I was just so infatuated with the idea being accepted into the MD/PhD program I interviewed at that I felt like it would be a blatant lie.

 

[CaffeineJunkie]

Current NIH IRTA here. I have friends who started any time between July and the following January. I can think of more than a couple who started around Thanksgiving and one who started not two months ago. Definitely can't hurt to try! E-mail as many PI's (with a personalized e-mail) as you can and cross your fingers!

Much like med school, all it takes is one. Good luck!

EDIT: While I was applying, I even had 2-3 PI's tell me they wouldn't have detailed budget info (aka whether or not they can afford a postbac) until March. Plus one who e-mailed me in April asking if I still wanted to interview. Keep going!!

 

[Meddizzle]

with a personalized e-mail

Thank you! I am writing up a draft now, and have identified a handful of PIs I would LOVE to work with. Is it appropriate to have just the same intro, relevant personal background and asking 'is there an NIH IRTA spot available in your lab...' and send that out to everyone, but also including a much more personalized paragraph for each one outlining why I like their research and how my background makes a me a good fit?

 

[CaffeineJunkie]

That's exactly the email format that I used! Also include a blurb about some of the PI's recent papers and why that stood out to you. Bonus points if you're actually interested but at least pretend to be


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

 

[NotaCop]

I did the NIH summer program a couple years ago, and was told by my PI that the reason he wanted me had to do with how I connected my declining grandmother's dementia and memory problems with a desire to work in his neurobiology lab in the very first paragraph. I also included a bunch of generic stuff but made sure to personalize most emails. Moral of the story, it's the little things like that which will stand out. Take the extra couple minutes to tailor each email and you'll land a spot!

Best of luck

 

[Meddizzle]

I did the NIH summer program a couple years ago, and was told by my PI that the reason he wanted me had to do with how I connected my declining grandmother's dementia and memory problems with a desire to work in his neurobiology lab in the very first paragraph. I also included a bunch of generic stuff but made sure to personalize most emails. Moral of the story, it's the little things like that which will stand out. Take the extra couple minutes to tailor each email and you'll land a spot!

Best of luck

Thank you! I am finding many awesome PIs with work I am very interested in. I will spend more time being more personal in the emails I send them, but I have the feeling to rush and send them ASAP since I feel like I am late in the cycle =[

 

[ChELover]

Also a current postbac IRMA here. My lab has actually been looking for someone with your qualifications. Please PM me asap.