Seeking research experience after undergrad

[Mandelbrott]

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Hello!

I need some input from my fellow NontradSDN community on how to gain basic science or clincal research experience (pay/volunteer) after undergrad. I currently have no research experience and definitelty want to become more involved before starting an SMP next fall and medical school (DO/MD) in 2014 or 2015. I attended undergrad in FL, but now reside in VA about ten minutes from the University of Virginia.

Thanks in advance for the input

 

[augeremt]

Cold email professors at UVa asking for jobs. Tell them you're interested in getting involved in research and write a sentence or two that's specific to the particular work that they're doing. For example, "My exposure to blah in blah class piqued my interest and I would like to delve deeper into blah in the form of research," where blah is what they're studying. Also, mention that you're interested in a paid position but if all they have is a volunteer gig then that would work as well. Lastly, say that if no position exists then you would love to meet with them for coffee or something to discuss how you should proceed from here.

This works because it is exactly how I got a full-time research job. I started out part-time and then went to full so it takes patience.

Good luck!

 

[MDOnlyWillDo]

I would add to make sure you are aware what type of research they are doing (clinical, molecular, genetic, etc), specifically their latest research. Don't make the mistake of emailing biology professors with research labs, just asking to join in- they'll want to see that you've done a bit of background work on their background. I received plenty of cold emails from pre-meds asking if we had any position and they had no idea what we did. The ones who were able to say, "I'm incredibly interested in your work dealing with the in-grown toenail and how it relates to Alzheimer's" were the ones who were invited in to talk.

 

[Mandelbrott]

This is very helpful advice. Thanks!

I'm preparing to apply for several full/part -time research assistant position postings that came up in the area. These postings didn't really describe whose lab was conducting the research, but provided some basic info about the study taking place. I did a search of these institution's research databases and have been able to find the faculty member's websites as well as their current and previous research endevours and publications. In the mean time I've also found several faculty members conducting research that I would be very interested in volunteering with and plan to send an email their way asap.

Thanks again!