Paid Research Position

[gogreenx123]

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Hello,

I was wondering how one may land a job as a paid research assistant? Unlike an ordinary job, such as working at the college cafe, with a position like this Im able to kill 2 birds with one stone (make money and acquire research for my career) I'm a freshman at Michigan State University with one semester of college under my belt. My professors know me really well and like me. But how would I ask if they have any "paid research assistant positions" available without sounding condescending? Any suggestions?

Thank you so much,
gogreenx123

 

[Jas1360]

You may need to work in a lab as a student first. There should also be a job board or website where professors seek out students for paid positions. Ask the career center at your school. They will be able to help you locate positions and teach you how to approach professors.

 

[BABSstudent]

Having work study also helps.

For me, I started as a volunteer and worked my way into a paid position. It took about 9 months, but getting a paycheck is nice.

 

[DrEnderW]

There's no harm in asking. I don't think it's condescending -- professors need student researchers to advance their own career as well.

In my experience, I sent a simple email asking a professor to do paid research and she responded I'd love to have you. There is nothing to lose! Good luck!

 

[MeGoodManIThink]

I think if you're a freshman, you should try to get any lab experience you can. Once you have a year or two under your belt and know some techniques, you can prob get a paid position for the summer and then maybe continue it during the year.

Also, getting any research position is a good opportunity and doesn't make sense for a PI to pay a freshman, why would they want to? But many will be willing to help you learn and then maybe hiring you later down the road.

Good luck

 

[Amba]

Keep in mind that if you're getting paid (especially as a freshman), you'll be doing scut work, which isn't really "research". It might turn into real, hypothesis-driven research in the future though...

Sent from my HTC Desire CDMA using SDN Mobile

 

[Shinobiz11]

Good luck trying to find a research position as a freshman at MSU....

Best plan is to talk to a professor and express your interest. Let them know you'll do it as a volunteer first and it doesn't have to be consistent. It's basically your lack of experience that is holding you back; and that MSU has more than 40,000 students...lol.

 

[shahcoco]

Hello,

I was wondering how one may land a job as a paid research assistant? Unlike an ordinary job, such as working at the college cafe, with a position like this Im able to kill 2 birds with one stone (make money and acquire research for my career) I'm a freshman at Michigan State University with one semester of college under my belt. My professors know me really well and like me. But how would I ask if they have any "paid research assistant positions" available without sounding condescending? Any suggestions?

Thank you so much,
gogreenx123

http://www.nibr.com/careers/internships.shtml

 

[HH8911]

My school had an awesome internship program that had connections to some really interesting basic science labs. I did two internships in different labs when I was an undergrad. Yeah you're not getting paid, but you're getting credit for school, getting experience, networking, etc. When I interviewed for my current paid position in clinical research (which the professor who runs the internship program recommended me for) I had a lot to talk about regarding research. I'd suggest seeing if your school has any similar opportunities- it's a good way to get your foot in the door.

Edit: As a freshman, I don't know how much quality paid research experience you can get. Most labs that I found required at least some coursework in the applicable area to do more than clean glassware.