"Research Assistant" title in ERAS Application

[cyneuron]

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Hi,

So I have been contributing (unpaid, not a official position, i just asked professor if i could contribute in research work, no paper work done or stuff like that) to this research project here at a University.

I have listed it under "Research Experience" category as "Research Assistant" title. I hope it won't give an impression to Programs that I am trying to manipulate my research contribution here because title "Research Assistant" is usually considered a more formal and paid position.

I put it under "Research Experience" because I am contributing to research project. Didn't put it under "Work Experience" Category because I am not officially employed or on a position. Didn't put it under "Volunteer Experience" because this category is generally used for stuff like helping in community etc.

I have submitted my app and really can't change it now. But was just curious that what are your views on it ?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

In the end, the answer really depends upon what your professor would think. If someone called them and said -- "Hey, how's that cyneuron guy working out as a research assistant", if your prof would freak out and say that's not your role, then you've been dishonest. It would also be good to have put in the description that it was a volunteer position. Listing it as a researh experience is fine.

 

[cyneuron]

In the end, the answer really depends upon what your professor would think. If someone called them and said -- "Hey, how's that cyneuron guy working out as a research assistant", if your prof would freak out and say that's not your role, then you've been dishonest. It would also be good to have put in the description that it was a volunteer position. Listing it as a researh experience is fine.

Thank you so much aPD. I was really hoping you would answer and clear this mess in my head.

My Professor is cool about it. Actually he really wants me to take an official position, but I don't want to mess visa situation (B1 to J1) and face complications later (my other post - J1 Short Term Scholar Visa and Later Issues with Residency ; and the Professor agrees with me regarding it). My Professor really likes me and I am confident that he will give a positive reply if someone calls him.

Thanks once again aPD.

 

[RaraBovis]

(IMG)

I am in a somewhat similar situation. It's a voluntary position and I'm not even sure what my designation is, if at all there's one. When do you write assistant vs. associate? My prof. did mention that I could be among the authors, though things are at a nascent stage and I don't see a publication coming anytime soon. So what should I write: assistant or associate? I will mention 'voluntary'. And I'm mentioning it as 'work'.

Any thoughts?

 

[cyneuron]

(IMG)

I am in a somewhat similar situation. It's a voluntary position and I'm not even sure what my designation is, if at all there's one. When do you write assistant vs. associate? My prof. did mention that I could be among the authors, though things are at a nascent stage and I don't see a publication coming anytime soon. So what should I write: assistant or associate? I will mention 'voluntary'. And I'm mentioning it as 'work'.

Any thoughts?

Mention it as "Research Assistant (Volunteer)". Or if you don't want to use word "volunteer" in title (as it will then make an odd combination with category of Research vs Volunteer Experience), mention "Volunteer" in description.

Do not mention "work". Use words like contributing or learning.

Btw why haven't u sent ur app even now ? Hurry up dude.

 

[RaraBovis]

Btw why haven't u sent ur app even now ? Hurry up dude.

Thanks.

CK not taken yet. Will take it in the next few days. The results of both CK and CS will be out by the 2nd week of October. Also, nothing (no LORs or MSPE) has been uploaded to my application yet.
Am I screwed already?

 

[cyneuron]

Thanks.

CK not taken yet. Will take it in the next few days. The results of both CK and CS will be out by the 2nd week of October. Also, nothing (no LORs or MSPE) has been uploaded to my application yet.
Am I screwed already?

Look , there are no absolutes in this USMLE game as far as my perception goes. People get through with worst scores just because of knowing people. Its all about getting one seat.

But for an IMG, the first rule of game is to get all things in time...But a lot depends on the individual circumstances. So just try to do things at best pace as you can.

Don't worry now. Just go on the track u are already on.

Best wishes.

 

[RaraBovis]

Thanks man!

Ok..3 times man/dude warrants clarification. Man- not me.

 

[cyneuron]

Ok..3 times man/dude warrants clarification. Man- not me.

Sorry about that 🙂