Paid lab experience vs. free?

[Rayatbh]

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Hi everyone!

I've been kind of conflicted recently. I've been in the same research lab since the summer after my senior year of high school (going into sophomore year now). It's been a pretty good experience so far and feel like i've learned so much!

The only thing that slightly bothers me is that i see job offers at my school or local hospitals for paid positions in research. Today i saw one that's offering to pay $12.50 an hour. I really want to stay committed to my lab and continue expanding on the projects i've been working on, but i kind of wish there was a means of supporting myself financially while also spending so much time doing this thing that i love.

What would you guys do? branch out? stick to it?

Also, is there any way I can apply for something like a stipend while i work during the school year? I got one for this summer that allows me to work in my lab and get paid for the summer. But it's only a summer opportunity.

Thank you🙂

 

[desperadoflakes]

Ask your PI for money

 

[TehTeddy]

I would look at what your school offers in terms of stipends. At my school some are very open in terms of what projects they allow, so be sure to check out the general ones in addition to science-specific stipends.
You can also just talk to your PI about your situation and see what they say. I don't think it'd be awkward/inappropriate to ask, considering the time you've been there (for free mind you-at least from their perspective).

 

[DameJulie]

One thing I worry about is if you talk to your PI about the possibility of getting paid, would this give him/her a negative impression that you only wanted money from research?

 

[Lifeblood_20]

At my school, undergrads rarely get paid to do research -- the paid positions are generally lab maintenance and routine tasks. I was in one of those positions and I didn't get to be involved with the research intellectually. I don't know how it is elsewhere but in general paid positions mean you don't have a say in what you do.

 

[desperadoflakes]

Generally if you're contributing to the lab you deserve to either be receiving credit for school or some sort of payment. This won't be a foreign concept to your PI. Go to them and say you like the work and you're contributing but you have bills to pay

 

[ChymeofPassion]

Ask for money. Talk to your employer. I don't know why premeds are so afraid to do this (maybe a lack of jobs before college?)

 

[AgentMay]

I'd say you should talk to your PI about your concerns. If you had been there for more than 2 years, you deserve to get some paid (or pubs). Some schools also have grants available to students working on research projects (i.e. McNair scholars or departmental specific grants). You could bring this up to your PI and offer to submit your grant proposal. It doesn't hurt to ask. PI should understand that as a student, you literally have no income. I doubt He or she would take that against you since they often have many other things to think about than you're asking for money.

 

[Rayatbh]

Thank you guys so much for the replys!

It did lead me to do some more research on what our school offers in terms of stipends. Fortunately, I found one available for the academic year that you can apply for if you're low-income, underrepresented, etc., which I'll probably do! 🙂)

I don't know why I don't feel comfortable asking my PI to pay me. I don't think he's ever paid any undergrads (though, no of them have lasted as long as me). How should I go about it in the future?

Thank you🙂

 

[mistafab]

Hey dude -

You've had a great experience with your PI, I am happy for you!

However, you gotta eat. I'd ask your PI for some money, and if not possible then take a research job.

Why? Because applications to med school alone cost three to four thousand including the flights and hotels. You gotta eat and pay rent until then too. No shame - any academic understands that people gotta get paid. Your PI will be happy for you if you land a paid gig.