NIH IRTA E-mails

[CaffeineJunkie]

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[cactus8910]

I sent about 50 emails and got a lot of "sorry, we don't have a spot available" emails and a lot of non-responders. Some people who did respond took close to a month to respond. I sent mine in March, so I don't think you're too late. I think it would be fine to send a brief follow up email about a month after sending your initial email. In the mean time, keep emailing other people. Good luck!

 

[ecolik-12]

They will usually contact you since people with open spots are actively looking through the database.

 

[itsthat1guy]

I started contacting PIs about 3 weeks ago, and of the ~70 I've emailed, about 30 said they didn't have a spot outright, I interviewed with one, and two others said they'd contact me later. Don't be discouraged yet, just keep emailing people.

 

[womanofscience]

Hey all,

I'm applying to work as a post-bac at the NIH IRTA among other places for my gap year (or two) right now. Senior, neuro major, good stats and prior research experience. I'm just getting a little concerned because I've sent 15-20 e-mails (mainly to NCI and NINDS) so far after the New Year and I've had barely any luck. I'm assuming not everybody is on vacation right now and that more than a few people straight up didn't want to respond.

I don't think my e-mails were bad or too long anything. Just a bit of background on my experiences, career goals, interests (Neuro, cancer depending on the e-mail), why I like their lab, their publications I've read, etc. I attached my CV too and my official app is complete. I only have 2 responses though - one dude telling me to check back in March (for budget reasons) and one asking me if I wanted to work 1 or 2 years.

I was wondering if this lack of responses was normal? Maybe I e-mailed a bit too late/early? And would it be at all acceptable to send the non-responders a follow-up e-mail in like a month or should I assume they want me to leave them alone?

Thanks!

You are on the right track. Most PIs are probably not thinking so far in advance, but most post-bacs will be leaving their positions in the summer time to start grad/med school. Being proactive and emailing PIs is great! In fact, I received more offers this way than just waiting for someone to find my application. I started emailing in April (way late for some of the positions I wanted and some were already filled in December...), but was able to find a position start in July.

Most PIs prefer a commitment of two years so just be as clear as possible about your goals.

 

[CaffeineJunkie]

Thanks so much for your replies everybody! Very reassuring to hear that I'm not too late yet. I have a spreadsheet of about 50 or so PIs so I'll definitely keep going through. How long were the e-mails that you guys sent out, @itsthat1guy, @cactus8910, and @ecolik-12 ?

@womanofscience - Could I please PM you? I'm interested in neurobio as well and would love to check out some of these labs you know of! Even if I don't end up there, it would still help to know which ones are actively looking for students. Thanks!

 

[womanofscience]

Thanks so much for your replies everybody! Very reassuring to hear that I'm not too late yet. I have a spreadsheet of about 50 or so PIs so I'll definitely keep going through. How long were the e-mails that you guys sent out, @itsthat1guy, @cactus8910, and @ecolik-12 ?

@womanofscience - Could I please PM you? I'm interested in neurobio as well and would love to check out some of these labs you know of! Even if I don't end up there, it would still help to know which ones are actively looking for students. Thanks!

Of course!

 

[itsthat1guy]

How long were the e-mails that you guys sent out, @itsthat1guy, @cactus8910, and @ecolik-12 ?

This is an template of the email I've been using

Dear Dr. ___

I am writing you to be considered for a position in your laboratory through the NIH's Intramural Research Training Award program. I am currently a senior at ___, majoring in ____. I hope to spend two years at the NIH following graduation this spring and further explore my research interests.


My current research is _____. I am very interested in ____. As such, I am quite interested in your lab’s research regarding ___


If you have a position for a postbac in your lab, I would be glad to discuss the prospect of joining your group at whatever time is most convenient for you. I can be reached by ______. My resume is attached, and my transcript, cover and reference letters can be found in the IRTA application database. Thank you for taking the time to review my application, and I look forward to your reply.


Sincerely,

 

[cactus8910]

Thanks so much for your replies everybody! Very reassuring to hear that I'm not too late yet. I have a spreadsheet of about 50 or so PIs so I'll definitely keep going through. How long were the e-mails that you guys sent out, @itsthat1guy, @cactus8910, and @ecolik-12 ?

@womanofscience - Could I please PM you? I'm interested in neurobio as well and would love to check out some of these labs you know of! Even if I don't end up there, it would still help to know which ones are actively looking for students. Thanks!

Mine was pretty short, and I didn't really modify it for who I was sending it to. Maybe not the best method, but it allowed me to send a lot of emails very quickly.

 

[CaffeineJunkie]

Thanks again guys! I've been opting for long, personalized e-mails. Not the most time-efficient but I definitely think I'll be starting to make them shorter starting today.