Who to email whilst applying to a research lab?

[seals44]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am planning to apply to a few labs, all of which belong to the same institution. On the website, each lab lists all of the projects it is working on, as well as the person spearheading that particular project (usually a post-doc or something of that nature). For each lab, there are several projects that interest me. Should I only email the person who the lab is named after and mention the particular projects that interest me, or should I email each person in charge of the projects of interest individually? I think that the person who the lab is named after is the PI for all the projects in that particular lab, but I am rather new to all of this so am confused to the proper procedure. Thanks!

 

[MelissaThompson]

I am planning to apply to a few labs, all of which belong to the same institution. On the website, each lab lists all of the projects it is working on, as well as the person spearheading that particular project (usually a post-doc or something of that nature). For each lab, there are several projects that interest me. Should I only email the person who the lab is named after and mention the particular projects that interest me, or should I email each person in charge of the projects of interest individually? I think that the person who the lab is named after is the PI for all the projects in that particular lab, but I am rather new to all of this so am confused to the proper procedure. Thanks!

You need to use the "spray & pray" method:

Draft up a generic response - and then e-mail ALL the PIs directly. 3 days later - you may call those that have not replied and ask for a meeting.

If you just want the experience - then even offer to volunteer at first.

 

[plumhill]

You need to use the "spray & pray" method:

Draft up a generic response - and then e-mail ALL the PIs directly. 3 days later - you may call those that have not replied and ask for a meeting.

If you just want the experience - then even offer to volunteer at first.

Sounds about right. When I was looking for lab openings, I emailed PIs directly, and attached my resume and a short description of my (extremely minimal) previous research experience. The PI is the one who'll eventually be taking you on, and then he/she will possibly assign you to a post-doc or grad student, depending on the lab. If the PI has multiple projects going on at once, he/she may assign you to one, or let you pick based on your area of interest.

 

[seals44]

Sounds about right. When I was looking for lab openings, I emailed PIs directly, and attached my resume and a short description of my (extremely minimal) previous research experience. The PI is the one who'll eventually be taking you on, and then he/she will possibly assign you to a post-doc or grad student, depending on the lab. If the PI has multiple projects going on at once, he/she may assign you to one, or let you pick based on your area of interest.

Just for clarification, you guys are basically saying to email only the person who the lab is named after?

 

[911 Turbo]

Just for clarification, you guys are basically saying to email only the person who the lab is named after?

No... email the PI. For some labs, the person who the lab is named after is dead... it would probably take a while for an email response back from them.

 

[La Presse]

No... email the PI. For some labs, the person who the lab is named after is dead... it would probably take a while for an email response back from them.

I guess I see what you did there.


Sent from my iPad using SDN Mobile app.

 

[911 Turbo]

I guess I see what you did there.


Sent from my iPad using SDN Mobile app.

Lol seriously though... it probably happens

 

[DrEnderW]

Definitely send emails to the PI of the lab, as they are the one with the power/insight to potentially hire someone. I recommend keeping the email short and to the point and attach a resume.

You can assume most PIs get a lot of these emails, so send in as many as you can! I applied to probably 20 labs (all of whom I was very qualified for) and got responses back from only a handful.

Remember, hiring a lab tech or similar position is very low priority so don't get discouraged by delayed responses.

 

[Aerus]

Definitely send emails to the PI of the lab, as they are the one with the power/insight to potentially hire someone. I recommend keeping the email short and to the point and attach a resume.

You can assume most PIs get a lot of these emails, so send in as many as you can! I applied to probably 20 labs (all of whom I was very qualified for) and got responses back from only a handful.

Remember, hiring a lab tech or similar position is very low priority so don't get discouraged by delayed responses.

Bolded cannot be emphasized more. I've heard many PI's say that if the email is a whole essay, they take the "tl;dr" approach and either say no or ignore the email all together.

 

[passionformed]

Wait, what is PI?

 

[DrEnderW]

Principal Investigator - generally the lead scientist whose name is on the lab and runs the research program.