Mainly Dry Lab Research

[stargate16]

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I am wondering how much of a problem it will be when applying if most of my research has been done in the dry lab? I do have some wet lab experience, but the wet lab was closed down for a few months. I'm expecting to get back into the wet lab soon; however I have a lot more dry lab experience. I am currently working on my third dry lab project and I've only spent about 9 months in the wet lab. I may wait and apply 2014, which would give me more time to gain wet lab experience if needed.

 

[uniqenam]

What sort of dry lab are you talking about?

 

[stargate16]

All of my bioinformatics projects have been meta-analyses, the first one - and currently my only accepted paper - was a meta-analysis of variables affecting vaccine efficacy, while the other two I'm currently working on involve compilation and analysis of DNA microarray data from Brucella and Uropathogen E.coli strains during colonization of a host. Data for all three papers were gathered from published literature.

 

[uniqenam]

All of my bioinformatics projects have been meta-analyses, the first one - and currently my only accepted paper - was a meta-analysis of variables affecting vaccine efficacy, while the other two I'm currently working on involve compilation and analysis of DNA microarray data from Brucella and Uropathogen E.coli strains during colonization of a host. Data for all three papers were gathered from published literature.

So, you're a published author worried about your lab experience? 🙂

But seriously, I don't know what distinctions an adcom would make between wet lab/dry lab, but I think the most important thing is that you get a "walks-on-water" letter of rec from your PI, that you were engaged for an extended period of time, and that you are deeply intimate with your subject matter. Bioinformatics in itself is a rapidly growing field, and I would hope that a "wet-lab" adcom wouldn't look down on your bioinformatic background, as I would hope that a "bioinf" adcom wouldn't look down on my wet-lab background! I really think you're fine.

Do any of the older, adcom members have anything to add?

 

[stargate16]

Ah, thank you for this insight. I was slightly concerned, as my lab PI told me that it would be very helpful - to the point of necessary, it seemed - to get a wet-lab paper.

 

[uniqenam]

Ah, thank you for this insight. I was slightly concerned, as my lab PI told me that it would be very helpful - to the point of necessary, it seemed - to get a wet-lab paper.

I mean, you can always do the classic call/email an MD/PhD program director and see what they say, but I am almost positive you should be fine. I know one of the "Big Shots" at my school is an MD/PhD doing bioinformatics type work, so I really think you're fine.

 

[MSTPlease]

When I applied, I was working full time for a bioinformatics company and my prior research experience was as a data analyst in an epidemiology lab and 1 year in a wet lab with some bioinformatics as well. No one cared that I was that "dry" heavy. In fact, the wet vs. dry didn't come up once other than asking about what I wanted to pursue in my MD/PhD training (answer was wet) but even there, they really just wanted to know what/whom I was interested in more so than anything else.

 

[stargate16]

I wanted to update you all on some new information I discovered. I was very lucky to have a meeting with a top 10 MSTP director a few days ago (I'd rather not give the name). Now the director did state this is coming from them (a top 10 program) so I am hopeful a mid tier might be a little more lenient? He basically told me I DO need wet lab and it should be paid research at least part time. I was told to continue the dry lab, but add paid wet lab research. It's not easy to find paid research! I am hopeful I can get back into the wet lab, because my PI is expecting it to open again soon, but our lab doesn't have much money. My PI told me many times he would pay me if he had the money, and I am fine volunteering only, but after hearing this news I am worried I might not stand a chance at any MD/PhD program🙁 One more thing, apparently they don't care about publications,he says this only shows you are lucky..

 

[StIGMA]

It doesn't matter whether it is paid or not. Experience is experience. Just find wet lab research under a good mentor.

 

[Neuronix]

I wanted to update you all on some new information I discovered. I was very lucky to have a meeting with a top 10 MSTP director a few days ago (I'd rather not give the name). Now the director did state this is coming from them (a top 10 program) so I am hopeful a mid tier might be a little more lenient?

Reality #1: Every adcom will view "non-traditional" (i.e. non bench research) differently. Their program might not like bioinformatics PhDs because of administration bias or weakness in that area of research. Some programs don't like engineering PhDs. Most don't like social science PhDs, but a few are ok with it. You have to decide whether you want to try wet lab research or not. You have to decide whether you want to apply as a bioinformatics PhD candidate or try to appeal to everyone by saying "Well yes I'm experienced in all sorts of things including wet lab." It's just your own calculated risk based on your own interests.

He basically told me I DO need wet lab and it should be paid research at least part time. I was told to continue the dry lab, but add paid wet lab research. It's not easy to find paid research! I am hopeful I can get back into the wet lab, because my PI is expecting it to open again soon, but our lab doesn't have much money. My PI told me many times he would pay me if he had the money, and I am fine volunteering only, but after hearing this news I am worried I might not stand a chance at any MD/PhD program🙁

Reality #2: It IS hard to find paid research positions in a wet lab as an undergrad with no wet lab experience. Did you ask the program director for a job in his lab or if they knew someone who was hiring? That's probably your best chance.

As you've found, research funding is tight and few are willing to pay undergrads right now unless you are experienced, connected, or lucky. But the thing is, adcoms don't know whether your research was paid research when you apply. This is not something that is on your application. This is almost never an issue at the application level. My only thought is that the PD was suggesting you find paid work because you will be more dedicated to it or because it will help you financially.

One more thing, apparently they don't care about publications,he says this only shows you are lucky..

I say this about every week in the forum, and somehow nobody ever believes me.

 

[stargate16]

I did mention that I wanted to do microbiology/immunology research in a wet lab, but also use bioinformatics. Basically my lab does both, however I have had more bioinformatics projects compared to the wet lab (I was in the wet lab from August 2011 to April). The wet lab was closed in April but should (I hope) open within a few weeks, if it does I do have my own project that I will continue. If not, I will hunt for another wet lab asap.

I am very glad to hear paid research may not be so important. The director told me to ask around for a paid research positon, like it wasn't a big deal and easy to do...Perhaps because I graduated, he thinks it might be easier? From what I see most paid positions go to post docs and having a BS is not helpful. Thanks for all the comments!

 

[Neuronix]

From what I see most paid positions go to post docs and having a BS is not helpful. Thanks for all the comments!

It all depends. You should ask around. I was able to find a paid research tech position in the year off after graduating. But I had to ask a lot of people and work unpaid within the department for years to find an unadvertised position with a friend of one of my university professors at a nearby research institute.

MD/PhD program directors may or may not be well connected with the current realities of research funding. That is another discussion for another day.