Which lab should I choose?

[basophilic]

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Hey guys,

So I have been offered positions at the NIH IRTA Postbac Research program in two different labs: one is about MRI and the other about cancer genetics. But I have the following dilemmas:

1. Research topics
The MRI lab is lot more technical and deals more with math and physics; as a physical science major I don't have a problem with that since I've majored in chemistry with several graduate chem courses and math electives and have done 2.5 yrs research in physical chem. But I feel my interest lies slightly more toward the more biologically-relevant cancer genetics project.

2. Locations
The MRI Lab is in Baltimore while the cancer genetics lab is in Bethesda. Baltimore is worst on crime but with really cheap rent and living standard, while Bethesda is like the most expensive city in the country. The cheap lifestyle matters a bit for monthly rent, groceries, gym membership, etc.

3. Experience
The MRI Lab has been established for many years whereas the PI for the cancer genetics one only moved into NIH a few months ago. The individual PIs in the MRI lab themselves have had a lot of experience. MRI PI has been working at NIH for 1-2 decades compared to 1-2 months for the cancer PI; also, the MRI PI is older and has ~150 publications whereas the cancer PI recently finished his PhD and has <20 publications. I know both are equally qualified and well-established scientists, but I'm assuming the MRI PI would carry more weight in terms of letter author?

4. Autonomy
For the MRI Lab I'd have an independent project, which with good work ethic would lead to first-author publication - and most of their postbacs have had at least one such pub. Because the cancer lab is so new, I wouldn't expect the same there.

Brief background: I was a pure chemistry major; I was initially gonna minor in math but my interests shifted more toward bio as I took more and more electives. My research experience has been exclusively in physical/materials chemistry with lots of NMR experience (which of course relates well to MRI).

So what lab would be better in your opinion? Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[Lawpy]

In my opinion, i would choose the MRI lab in a heartbeat because of cheap rent, established PI, and most importantly, it involves a lot of math and physics in medical inaging research. There is nothing wrong with the cancer genetics lab, but i like sticking with any dry lab medical research that uses math and physics. An opportunity for an independent project and a first-author publication sweetens the deal.

 

[GreenDuck12]

Speaking as someone who has taught in urban schools in Baltimore, do not be too concerned about the crime. Yes there is bad stuff that happens but it is in areas that you most likely will not be living in (pm me if you need advice). Evaluate which position would do the most for you med school app/career goals/personal interests and make a decision. Congratulations on the position!

Hey guys,

So I have been offered positions at the NIH IRTA Postbac Research program in two different labs: one is about MRI and the other about cancer genetics. But I have the following dilemmas:

1. Research topics
The MRI lab is lot more technical and deals more with math and physics; as a physical science major I don't have a problem with that since I've majored in chemistry with several graduate chem courses and math electives and have done 2.5 yrs research in physical chem. But I feel my interest lies slightly more toward the more biologically-relevant cancer genetics project.

2. Locations
The MRI Lab is in Baltimore while the cancer genetics lab is in Bethesda. Baltimore is worst on crime but with really cheap rent and living standard, while Bethesda is like the most expensive city in the country. The cheap lifestyle matters a bit for monthly rent, groceries, gym membership, etc.

3. Experience
The MRI Lab has been established for many years whereas the PI for the cancer genetics one only moved into NIH a few months ago. The individual PIs in the MRI lab themselves have had a lot of experience. MRI PI has been working at NIH for 1-2 decades compared to 1-2 months for the cancer PI; also, the MRI PI is older and has ~150 publications whereas the cancer PI recently finished his PhD and has <20 publications. I know both are equally qualified and well-established scientists, but I'm assuming the MRI PI would carry more weight in terms of letter author?

4. Autonomy
For the MRI Lab I'd have an independent project, which with good work ethic would lead to first-author publication - and most of their postbacs have had at least one such pub. Because the cancer lab is so new, I wouldn't expect the same there.

Brief background: I was a pure chemistry major; I was initially gonna minor in math but my interests shifted more toward bio as I took more and more electives. My research experience has been exclusively in physical/materials chemistry with lots of NMR experience (which of course relates well to MRI).

So what lab would be better in your opinion? Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[takeurmeds02]

I would go for the one that's going get you first author with the caveat being so long as it's substantial.