Research positions

[Gastrin]

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I am planning to mail some faculty members looking for research positions.
I am agreeable to volunteering for the position (I mean working without pay). So should I mention this in the email? Would it help?

 

[red doctober]

I am planning to mail some faculty members looking for research positions.
I am agreeable to volunteering for the position (I mean working without pay). So should I mention this in the email? Would it help?

If you have no prior experience, you'll be very unlikely to be offered a paid position unless it is hourly work (making media, washing glassware, stuffing pipet tips, etc.) If you're looking to start a meaningful research experience right now, an hourly position is not what you should be looking for. However, often PIs offer hourlies that have worked for them a while to start a project if they desire. You could also try to work for credit, which may help you work toward your degree.

 

[K31]

Are you an undergrad student contacting research faculty at your school?

ETA: Nevermind, I see from your other posts you are a IMG trying to get into residency in the US. In that case I agree with red doctober--unless you have significant research experience (and we're pretty much talking a PhD or multiple years experience in US labs) you are unlikely to be offered a paid position.

 

[Gastrin]

Thanks red october and K31 🙂

I understand your point.

So should I mention it explicitly in the email that I am willing to volunteer for the position?

From your posts it appears that PIs would understand that I am willing to volunteer even if I don't mention it.
Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[stannislaus]

Thanks red october and K31 🙂

I understand your point.

So should I mention it explicitly in the email that I am willing to volunteer for the position?

From your posts it appears that PIs would understand that I am willing to volunteer even if I don't mention it.
Correct me if I am wrong.

It's assumed, but eventually one of you (either you or your PI) is going to have to clarify this. It's easier for both of you if you just announce it straight-up: "I want to get experience and I'm willing to volunteer between 10-15 hours a week"

If you're at a big school where its hard to get professors to reply to your emails, you can also try emailing post-docs and graduate students. 🙂

 

[Gastrin]

Thanks stannislaus. I think I will mention it clearly in my mail.

Can you please tell me how NOT to sound too desperate? 😛

Does this sound good?

Dear Dr. ABC,

I am <so and so>. I shall be applying for my XYZ residency next year. I am keenly interested in <subspecialty>. I plan to pursue an academic career and am keen to earn more experience in clinical research. I had read about you in <blah blah blah> and have read few of your articles on <blah blah blah>. I was wondering if there is any opening in your group where I could join. I would be glad to volunteer for the position if you find me suitable.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Gastrin.​

 

[MSTPlease]

Thanks stannislaus. I think I will mention it clearly in my mail.

Can you please tell me how NOT to sound too desperate? 😛

Does this sound good?

Dear Dr. ABC,

I am <so and so>. I shall be applying for my XYZ residency next year. I am keenly interested in <subspecialty>. I plan to pursue an academic career and am keen to earn more experience in clinical research. I had read about you in <blah blah blah> and have read few of your articles on <blah blah blah>. I was wondering if there is any opening in your group where I could join. I would be glad to volunteer for the position if you find me suitable.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Gastrin.​

Doesn't sound desperate. You should attach your CV or resume since they are going to ask you for it anyway.