Whether you are a PhD hopeful, a premed exploring research, or even a high schooler interested in hands-on science, early research experiences can dramatically shape an academic trajectory. Joining a lab or research project is a fantastic way to explore your scientific passions, improve your problem-solving skills, and apply classroom scientific foundations to the real world. But joining a lab is not always simple. In this post, we will go over some basic tips to secure a rewarding, informative research experience.
How do I contact a lab?
Check Undergraduate and Departmental Job Boards
Labs are often looking for people like you— smart, enthusiastic students who want to contribute to their research! Labs will often post student job openings via established university or departmental job boards, most commonly in the late spring (to fill summer openings and replace graduating students) or before a new semester. These positions might be paid or unpaid. If you’re not sure how to access your school’s job board, or you’re unsure if your department has a newsletter for such opportunities, ask! Student advisors or career counselors will likely have the information on these resources.
Send a cold email
You should never by shy about contacting a lab directly! They are usually very happy to hear from you. To find labs to contact, navigate to the website of an academic department that interests you at your university, a nearby academic institution, or a hospital with a research department. Locate a list of faculty members and Principal Investigators (PI). Skim through the faculty biographies and see if any catch your eye; you can usually click to their lab website to learn more about their work. Skim through recent publications, news articles, or studies. Once you narrow your list to 3-4 labs, send an email to the PI. If you are interested in the work of a specific lab member, you should copy them as well. Keep your email professional, specific, and concise; do not “copy and paste” emails from another lab. Make specific references to the lab’s mission and recent publications and explain your background and interest in the work. Be sure to attach a one-page resume!
How do I chose between labs?
Consider the Subject and Nature of the Work
First and foremost, consider your interests. Have you always had an interest in cancer biology? Are you captivated by documentaries of far-off planets? Reflect on your curiosities and passions — and find labs studying exactly that! The next consideration is the nature of the research. Are you interested in working primarily with chemical reagents? Cells? Animals? Human subjects? Would you prefer to work with your hands, or perform computer-based research (like modeling, complex statistics, or programming?) Are you able to physically go into the lab, or do you need a project that accommodates remote work? Each lab is different in its methods and day-to-day work. You decide what works best for you!
Consider Lab Culture, Mentorship and Size
You want to make sure that your future lab is student-friendly, prioritizes mentorship, and will provide a positive educational experience. Visit the lab website and look for clues about the lab’s culture and student life. Are there lots of graduate students, or other undergraduates or high schoolers? Do they have a statement about mentorship and instruction? Are there signs of a positive lab community, like photos from celebrations or lab outings? All of these are great signs that the lab will be a welcoming and supportive academic environment for a new student! You also want to consider lab size. Large and small labs both offer wonderful opportunities but can feel different. Large labs may have more resources or students, but feel less intimate and provide fewer opportunities to engage with the PI. Small labs might provide opportunities to work closely with the PI but have fewer resources or a more narrow research focus.
How do I interview for a lab?
You did it! You contacted a lab and were offered an interview, likely with the PI or another member of the lab. So, what now?
Enthusiasm + Questions > Expertise
Labs don’t expect college or high school students to be experts in their fields; they know you are early in your academic journey. The PI has likely been studying this topic for decades! It is much more important to approach the interview with enthusiasm and a list of questions. Prior to the meeting, read through the most recent publications from the lab and write down questions it inspired, whether it’s the rationale behind a certain technique or the implications of the study for ongoing research. If you didn’t understand something, ask! By asking questions, you show you are interested in the lab’s research, you put in the time to prepare, and you tackle problems with a learning mindset.
Communicate Your Commitment
Most logistics will be sorted out after the interview is over. However, it is helpful to communicate during your interview if you are seeking short term position (ie, for the summer) or a long-term position (ie, over several semesters, possibly with a research thesis or independent project). Indicating interest in a long-term role demonstrates commitment that labs may find attractive, particularly because training a student can be very time intensive. That being said, you never want to commit to a long-term role with the hidden intention of leaving after only a few weeks. Many labs are eager to take on short-term students. Communicating your best estimation of your commitment to the lab will allow them to pair you with a project and mentor that best suits your needs, as well as maintain a positive relationship after you depart.
Joining a lab can be an intimidating and exciting step. These considerations will not only help you join a lab, but also improve your ability to create an opportunity that is best for you and your goals. And who knows? You just might discover the world’s next scientific breakthrough while you’re there!
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