Is this a good step for research??

[Doctor246853]

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Im really trying to employed in the research field but I have 0 experience what so ever. I seen a opening for a "Laboratory Helper" that states no job experience and 8th grade education. Im assuming Ill be taking a major pay cut if I take this job. Will this be a great step toward becoming a research tech or something (good for med school app.)or just a waste of time. What pay would they most likely pay? These are the duties from the site (UTSW) Thanks to all who answer..🙂
1. Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment such as slides, pipettes, culture dishes, test tubes and other similar items.
2. Prepares more routine chemical solutions such as formalin, saline, alcohol, etc.
3. Makes up specimen sets for a variety of laboratory procedures in accordance with specific and detailed instructions.
4. Maintains laboratory supplies in neat and orderly condition.
5. Cleans, dusts, and mops, laboratory counters, floors, sinks, and related work areas.
6. Operates sterilizers, autoclaves, and other simple laboratory equipment.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

 

[gettheleadout]

Sounds about right for what a new undergrad in a University lab would start out doing too, so I'd say its a typical first step. I would try to find out beforehand if there will be any foreseeable chance for advancement, but if so then its not any lower than most entry-level positions in wet labs.

 

[IvyHopeful20]

A quicker way might be to email labs you're interested in and say you will work for free.

 

[Doctor246853]

A quicker way might be to email labs you're interested in and say you will work for free.

I tried that and led to no where.🙁

 

[ktruon2]

You have to work your way from the ground up like the rest of us and taking that job is a good start.

From my experience I worked in a lab doing really simple tasks like the ones listed in that job description and then they moved me onto more advanced techniques because I was doing so well. From there it was easy to get another lab position that offered to build upon the techniques that I've learned and eventually allowed me to help along with their research projects.

 

[soundnin]

if it says 8th grade education required, how can people say this sounds about right for a college undergrad? 😕

OP, are you indeed a college undergrad? what kind of job are you working at right now where you would expect a "pay cut"? where do you go to school? if you go to school in a large city, you really should have no problems getting hooked up with an entry level undergrad tech position, and if you tried emailing labs already, keep trying and keep working at writing amazing cover letters.

i don't know what kind of horrible experiences people have had, but i would not settle for something like this as a stepping stone into research, because honestly, this is not research. it's janitorial duties in a laboratory setting. an entry level position in a wet lab is a research tech. a research tech's primary responsibility is to do the grunt work of research, which may or may not include some of the janitorial duties as well, but is definitely not the core, defining duties of the job.

 

[Doctor246853]

if it says 8th grade education required, how can people say this sounds about right for a college undergrad? 😕

OP, are you indeed a college undergrad? what kind of job are you working at right now where you would expect a "pay cut"? where do you go to school? if you go to school in a large city, you really should have no problems getting hooked up with an entry level undergrad tech position, and if you tried emailing labs already, keep trying and keep working at writing amazing cover letters.

i don't know what kind of horrible experiences people have had, but i would not settle for something like this as a stepping stone into research, because honestly, this is not research. it's janitorial duties in a laboratory setting. an entry level position in a wet lab is a research tech. a research tech's primary responsibility is to do the grunt work of research, which may or may not include some of the janitorial duties as well, but is definitely not the core, defining duties of the job.

Well, Im go to UT Arlington and work at Parkland as a PCA only making about 13 bucks an hour. Im pretty sure this pays less. The job is in Dallas so it is a large city but I have NO research experience only patient care and I cannot get in any lab. Ive been busting my ass so far and this is about as close as I can get to a lab/research. I really want to be a research tech before I apply to medical school but theres no way I can get a postition like that without some kind of experience...🙁 Im so ready to transition from hospital patient care to doing research. I tend to think like others on here saying this is a good stepping stone but I dont want to take the job and be stuck as a dam janitor until I apply. So what do ya think?

 

[soundnin]

Well, Im go to UT Arlington and work at Parkland as a PCA only making about 13 bucks an hour. Im pretty sure this pays less. The job is in Dallas so it is a large city but I have NO research experience only patient care and I cannot get in any lab. Ive been busting my ass so far and this is about as close as I can get to a lab/research. I really want to be a research tech before I apply to medical school but theres no way I can get a postition like that without some kind of experience...🙁 Im so ready to transition from hospital patient care to doing research. I tend to think like others on here saying this is a good stepping stone but I dont want to take the job and be stuck as a dam janitor until I apply. So what do ya think?

i still find it hard to believe a lab won't take you in for free. but if that's the case (i'm still in disbelief!!!), do what you think is best. i still suspect you aren't sending out enough emails, or writing "attractive enough" cover letters to labs.