Seeking Out Research Opportunities
Working in a lab not only gives you the educational opportunity to immerse yourself in specific topic but it also lets you build skills such as presentation/communication, team building, experimental design, computer, networking skills and much more. All these skills can help you stand out as a future applicant!
So how can you get involved? Below are steps outlined to help you seek out research opportunities.
1. What are your interests?
One way to begin your search for a research opportunity is to think about fields or topics of interest. This can include topics such as addressing public health disparities in medicine, the field of neuroscience, pediatric oncology, genetics, and much more. Another thing to consider is if you are interested in working in basic science, clinical, or translational research. Basic research involves laboratory experimentation that is driven by curiosity, building on our understanding of the field. A basic research lab will ask try to answer questions like “what is the signaling pathway in melanoma growth?”. Clinical research explores the efficacy or measurable benefit of treatments and medications in patients. So, a clinical research question would be “what are the benefits of Aducanumab (medication for Alzheimer’s disease) on memory?”. Lastly, translational research on the other hand bridges both basic and clinical research to progress the application of discovery. Hence these kinds of projects are usually clinical trials where the scientist is now asking “does inhibiting this protein in the pathway help reduce lung cancer metastasis in human patients?”.
2. How much time can you commit?
Work, life, and balance is something many of us strive to achieve. Ask yourself how much time you will be able to allocate to research. Being clear about this will be critical when speaking to potential principal investigators of different labs. Would you have a gap year dedicated to research, time throughout the school year, or during your summers? Along with your personal priorities and obligations, how much time can you give to this experience. This will be important to discuss in your interviews with these labs.
It is recommended to commit at least a year or more in the same lab because it does take a couple of months to just get into the rhythm of the lab and have enough skills/trust to be independent. Additionally, dedicating time to your research experience will allow you to establish a professional relationship with your research mentor who can then provide a letter of recommendation or be a reference for you.
3. Finding opportunities.
Below are some of the ways you can find research opportunities:
· At your university through different academic departments (e.g. Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biology, etc.)
· Asking your course professors or counselors
· LinkedIn (e.g. searching for internships or research coordinator, research assistant, and laboratory technician experiences)
· Google search for jobs and internships in your local area
· Academic Medical Centers
· Formal Summer Undergraduate Research Programs which involve an application process that begins in the fall and ends in mid to late spring. The AAMC provides a list: https://www.aamc.org/professional-development/affinity-groups/great/summer-undergrad-research-programs
· Pharmaceutical Internships
· Utilizing university and medical institutions faculty profiles search websites to find principal investigators, fellows, and physicians. Searches (depending on website set up) can include looking up research topics, institution, department, faculty type, along with other options such as “current student opportunities.”
4. Reaching out to a lab.
Drum roll please! Seems like you are ready to make the step towards your future lab life. We have included some email tips below:
Some general advice:
· Many faculty are busy and get a lot of emails, so it is important to not take it personal if you do not hear back. If one or two weeks have gone by with no response, I recommend sending one kind and brief follow-up email.
· Keep your email brief with key information to get their interest.
· Be sure to have your CV in PDF form ready to be attached to this email.
· Be sure to look at the labs website and read on their publications and contributions to the field.
Subject line examples:
· Seeking Research Opportunity
· Interest in X position
· Meeting to discuss research opportunities in (topic/lab)
· Possible undergraduate/graduate research opportunities
Main Body:
· Introduce yourself
· State your interest in that research group
· If applicable, demonstrating your experience
· How this will support your goals and what you hope to take away
· Your flexibility to schedule a meeting
Example 1:
Dear Dr. X,
My name is ____, and I am a student at ____ majoring in _____. How you found out the professor’s research.
I have a passion for ____ (express your interest in a specific paper or topic). These interests combined with my initial experiences working in _____ alongside conducting ______ research have inspired me to pursue a future in ____.
When I saw your lab is investigating ____ and after reading your recent paper, “Title of Paper,” I was excited to reach out! I believe your work closely aligns with my passions and dreams of the work I hope to contribute to in my career pursuits as a physician.
I will be available from ___to ___ and would welcome the opportunity to discuss any available positions in your lab. I have attached my CV below. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best Regards,
Name
Example 2, From University of Virginia, How to Successfully E-mail Professors
Dear Dr. Smith,
My name is X and I'm a second year biology major at UVA. In my introductory and upper-level coursework, I've developed a passion for science and am extremely interested in pursuing independent research as an undergraduate. An extensive research experience will greatly help me consolidate my future career choice.
I am personally greatly interested in the molecular biology of stem cells. Recently I read your 2011 paper on the role of microRNAs in the differentiation of muscle stem cells and became fascinated by your work. In particular, I found it amazing that microRNAs can alter the fate of a cell in such a profound way. If possible, I would love to start working on a long-term project in your lab beginning this summer.
Would you be available to meet sometime this week to discuss your research? I would also be happy to volunteer in your lab for a few weeks before we commit to anything to see if this is a good match. My transcript and resume are attached in case you are interested. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you,
X
Example 3
“Dear Dr. X or Professor X,
Introduce yourself, your school, degree/date, any research experience. List your interests and what you are particularly curious to investigate/expand your understanding of. Mention something you found fascinating from the recent work of their lab and mention your career goal and how you find this experience beneficial in adding to your perspective. If they posted an opportunity, mention you saw on their webpage this opportunity and questions about the application process or if there are any open positions available. Kindly end with your appreciation of their time and mention your interest in setting up a time to meet and discuss any opportunities available.
Sincerely,
Name
5. Sending the email
After all your efforts, you are all ready to go! Don’t be afraid to send the email or get discouraged if you do not hear back. Continue to put yourself out there and seek out opportunities and experiences that will expand your world view. As a final note, if you tried research and absolutely hate it- that’s ok! It is not required to do research to get accepted into medical school. Find something you are passionate about and get good at it. Good luck and feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions.
Contributing Author:
Natalie R. Asemi, B.S.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieasemi/