<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm a freshman pre med, and I'm starting to look into summer oppurtunities around home. I'm a neuro major, and I'm really interested in the work they're doing in the labs near home. I have a long list of PIs I plan to contact to inquire about lab assistant positions, and I know I should start contacting them about summer positions soon.</p>
<p>But... I'm totally new at this. I have no real research or lab experience (apart from being a Lab TA in high school, and lab classes in college), and I feel thoroughly unworthy to even be scrubbing their glassware since I'm just a freshman without that much coursework either. I've never contacted PIs before, so I was wondering what sorts of things I should say in an e-mail contacting them in a situation like this. Should I simply express my interest in volunteering in anyway possible, even though I don't have very many qualifications? I don't want to say something wrong in the very first e-mail, or sound presumptuous. I know it's difficult for freshman to get lab jobs, but I thought I might give it a try nonetheless, since I'm genuinely interested in the work they're doing.</p>
<p>Any help for this naive and nervous pre med is appreciated.</p>
<p>-M</p>
<p>Research experience is actually not what most professors are looking for in an undergrad. In fact, one PI I interviewed with said she would prefer that I not have previous research experience. That way she can get me to do things her way. I just got off the phone with a PI doing neuroradiology research. Even at the med school level, I was not asked about my (lack of) previous radiology research experience. When you become a post-doc or a PI, then your research and publication record becomes important.</p>
<p>So, what are professors looking for:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>By far the most important factor is an interest in their research project! You can demonstrate this by reading up on the project and being able to talk intelligibly about it at an interview. Be enthusiastic at the interview!</p></li>
<li><p>The other thing is dependability and attention to detail. Express the fact that you are dependable and won't waste their $600/tube enzymes and that you are passionate about research and doing a good job. Professors don't really care about intelligence because you won't be designing the project. The PI will furnish the project. You have to carry it out. So, PI's are worried most about how responsible you are.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>That's about it. Generally, as long as the PI has room in his lab, he probably won't be too choosy. He'll probably even spend the entire interview talking about his research rather than asking you any questions. Remember: the thing they care about the most is their own research!</p>
<p>I agree with NCG.</p>
<p>Lastly, be willing to start at the lowest rung of research ladder and don't be diffident when you talk to PIs. Everyone started their research at the bottom rung anyway, including the PIs you are talking to.</p>
<p>Show your positive energy and enthusiasm. And don't feel let down if the first person you talk to gives you a negative response. Move on to the next PI on your list.</p>
<p>Keep plugging at your objectives. Where there is a will, there is a way!</p>
<p>I can tell what my D did last year that got her a volunteer research assistant job. She sent out 15 targeted emails--I say targeted because she went through and read the website of each prof at the state U's bio dept. She choose the ones who were doing research in neuro. that mirrored her areas of interest. In the email, she introduced herself, told them her school affiliation/year, GPA and that she would like to work as volunteer. She then told each PI why she was interested in their specific research. Not a general statement--she listed a few details about the PI's current project and what it was that appealed to her. She then listed any specific skills she had that might be useful in their particular lab, offered to provide references upon request and thanked them researcher for taking the time to read her email.</p>
<p>She got 4 responses, 2 interviews and was eventually invited to work in one of the labs.</p>
<p>So the advice here is spot-on--be polite, show interest and enthusiasm. Be willing to do any job asked. And don't give up. Persistence is important.</p>
<p>I just went through the same thing last semester actually (current sophomore)</p>
<p>I go to a small liberal arts college and I wanted a research position at the big U next door. I was a little choosy and only wanted to get into ONE lab (not a good idea) and so I emailed him during the summer to ask if I could volunteer in his lab during the fall semester. I was extremely well informed about his research, and though I admitted I didn't really understand all of the concepts and terms, I think I made it clear why I wanted to be in HIS lab vs. other labs that were doing research on the same topic. I think the interest and the free work were the selling points there. </p>
<p>That being said ... I didn't end up liking that research experience and I didn't want to stay there during the summer. I asked my private music instructor if she could introduce me to her husband who was a doctor at the U. He got me in touch with a different professor who I've had a few interviews with, and managed to secure a semester and a full time summer position with pay. </p>
<p>I agree with NCG, in both situations, the PI talked more about his research than asking me anything. I brought in copies of my resume (which I had also emailed before) which they glanced over. I was very honest about the fact that I had very little research experience but did highlight my other qualities (punctuality, quick learner) which showed from the kind of jobs and internships I had done. They understood and were more concerned about placing me on the right project with the right people to most benefit them. I never mentioned pay at either of my interviews, but the second PI just offered. </p>
<p>That being said, I agree with the others about sending out more than just one or two emails. You may get lucky on the first two tries like I did, but I think its a good idea to look around for connections that may make the process a little easier, especially if it is near where you live. I'm not an expert on this, but I felt like the PI's really are gauging your interest and attention level towards their project. I think they mainly expect juniors or seniors though (the 2nd PI asked me if I was a senior), so I think it's important to show that you have a good background (decent grades, coursework) and are responsible and serious about the time commitment (did I spell that wrong?). </p>
<p>Anyways, good luck on your search!</p>
<p>Thank you for all your help! I was in the process of emailing a whole bunch of PIs and MD/PhD's at one of the local teaching hospitals known for it's research programs. By the time I got four done, two already responded and were willing to let me work in their lab. Shockingly enough, both were also willing to let me actually work on projects with a mentor. So, I guess I'm in a bit of happy dilemma figuring out which lab I should spend my summer at. </p>
<p>Again, I appreciate all the advice!</p>
<p>-M</p>