<p>I did kind of average in my undergrad in Biology with a 3.1 GPA from UCSD. The only lab experience aside from a couple lab classes I took was during freshmen year as a lab assistant doing basic stuff like reagent preparation.</p>
<p>Now that I've graduated from UCSD, it seems the only entry level job is a lab technician. I've applied to a few but none have responded. </p>
<p>What kind of applicant are these labs looking for? Is my GPA too low to be considered? What can I do now to increase my chances of entering this field?</p>
<p>Pretty damn hard. I graduated from USC-Biomedical Engineering-3.1 GPA myself and since graduation have sent out over 200+ resumes for lab tech jobs throughout the US and Canada (I’m a dual citizen). Haven’t found work relevant to my undergrad research since graduating (mostly retail minimum wage). </p>
<p>According to lab managers and PIs, lab tech and research positions are pretty competitive, receiving over 100+ resumes for each position including PhDs with 10+ years of exp. </p>
<p>The economy isn’t making it easy, but it can be done if you’re in the right place in the right time. Just keep in mind you’re competing with lab techs abroad seeking visa sponsorship(which many labs will not mind paying for).</p>
<p>To answer your question, getting a lab tech job isn’t easy and usually people rely on loads of experience or just hook ups from friends/family. You’re GPA matters 10% of the positions (usually at labs at prestigious institutions like UCSF, NIH, FDA, John’s Hopkins). Its better to save your time and volunteer as a lab technician to gain experience as well as a reference for non-volunteer employment to get your foot in the door. Take what you can get, its not going to get any better, be happy with what you got.</p>