Research...sorta

[hoot504]

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First off I understand this is an annoying question, but bear with me..

I've been working at a research institute on campus in the Media Facility. It's a paid job, and consists of me preparing cell cultures, serums, buffers, etc... While it's very hands on and allows me to flex my laboratory skills, it doesn't allow me to conduct any real research.

My (annoying) question is this, do you think the average admissions officer would consider this to fulfill the role of 'research'? How would a job like this be viewed? All input is welcome, thanks!

 

[fishbait63]

Well the way I see it is that how can you explain your project, if there is no clear hypothesis or goal (ex: prepare buffer for x assay in hopes of y result to prove z is true) it would be hard to say it is research.

the problem is that if you were asked to explain your research you would have to explain it in that way... if you just said I made buffers and mediums (even thought it is a good experience and could help you get a position in wet lab) i wouldn't think that it is research

 

[hoot504]

Well the way I see it is that how can you explain your project, if there is no clear hypothesis or goal (ex: prepare buffer for x assay in hopes of y result to prove z is true) it would be hard to say it is research.

the problem is that if you were asked to explain your research you would have to explain it in that way... if you just said I made buffers and mediums (even thought it is a good experience and could help you get a position in wet lab) i wouldn't think that it is research

Right, and I certainly agree that it is not research. I guess I should have asked this question instead... do adcoms care more that you have conducted personal research or that you have proven competence working in a laboratory environment?

 

[CyclistOK]

They care. There is a huge difference between "grunt work" and project where you are a significant contributor to the methodology and/or results. Besides, your overall competency should be shown through coursework.

That being said, it's not entirely useless.

 

[tiedyeddog]

They care. There is a huge difference between "grunt work" and project where you are a significant contributor to the methodology and/or results. Besides, your overall competency should be shown through coursework.

That being said, it's not entirely useless.

I agree it is not useless. Do you work for a P.I. or for like a core lab? If you work for a P.I. you can still explain what the media were used for.

 

[LizzyM]

I would not call it research. Call it employment.

They care more about your ability to engage in the scientific method than in your mad lab skillz.

 

[katinthehat]

They care more about your ability to engage in the scientific method than in your mad lab skillz.

That's awesome!

Furthermore, I also agree with LizzyM's advice for classifying this EC as employment and not research.