<p>I am trying to obtain an undergraduate research position with a faculty lab on campus. I basically just e-mailed the professors telling them about how interested I am in their research. So far, I've tried 3 labs and none have replied back. I've had two previous research experiences at NIH in high school so I don't see what is the problem. Another thing might be that I haven't waited enough time (I emailed some of them a couple of days ago). Could anyone offer any tips on how to obtain a research position with a faculty lab on campus?</p>
<p>You should see if there is a research program offered in your school that pairs you with a faculty member. My school has this but I am not sure if this is something that is widespread. It may be hard getting a research position emailing because it is not too formal. Another option is looking at the job listings at your school for labs that are looking for a lab aide/tech. You may do grunt work or simply follow directions of a sheet of paper in the beginning but your lab might begin allow you to become more of a research assistant after a semester or so when you have developed many lab skills. </p>
<p>Another great option is looking at summer research programs that are offered by universities nationwide. Since you have research experience from HS, you will definitely have a good shot at getting one. I remember WayoutWestMom posted a couple of great links that showed a directory of such programs offered in the summer. These summer research programs tend to pay out a nice stipend and they usually provide housing to out of state attendees so it is a great option.</p>
<p>A couple of days might not be enough, particularly if they are just beginning a new semester of teaching. </p>
<p>Did you include a brief, 1 page resume?</p>
<p>@apscared, there is no such program at UMD, which is supposed to be known for their plethora of research opportunities. I have been told by numerous people, even my advisor, that to engage in research on campus all you need to do is to e-mail the professor expressing interest. I am looking at summer research programs at other universities, but I really want to do school year research as well on campus. </p>
<p>@entomom, I did include a resume, which was over 1 page. How long does it usually take for professors to respond?</p>
<p>OP, I’m going to guess that you’re a physics major? If so, I have a couple physics friends that spent the summer at CERN. Does this interest you? Also, for a choice summer spot, you must start the process the previous fall. Many of the best programs have early deadlines. If you want to meet somewhere on campus and talk about this, PM me.</p>
<p>I waited at least a week and then sent a follow up email. Usually within a few days of that you got a response.</p>
<p>Professors receive easily over 100 emails a day of varying urgency. Your email in January about a summer position is not urgent for them. I set up one summer research spot in late April.</p>
<p>Also are you looking for a paid position and if notdid you make that clear?</p>
<p>Are you looking for a summer position or regular semester position?</p>
<p>If summer, you can also apply back to NIH.</p>
<p>If you are interested in specific research, you should try to meet them directly and explain your interest. If you are sending out emails randomly, then 3 might not be enough. My high schooler had sent some profs locally (about a dozen) and the only two that replied so far said they are changing jobs in summer (despite having openings for summer research according to the unversity website). Rest have not responded.</p>
<p>This is a regular school year position during when school is in session, not a summer position. Also I am a bioengineering major w/ an interest in pre-medicine so I’m looking for something life sciences based. I also hesitate sending follow up e-mails because I don’t want to sound pushy.</p>
<p>How many hours did you say you could work? Are you planning to work for free or for credit? It might be a good idea to walk around some of these departments and you might just bump into someone who wants to take you if you have no specific preferences.</p>
<p>Figuring out how to write not-pushy-sounding follow up letters will be one of the best skills you learn in undergrad (in my opinion). I think the key is to, well, not sound pushy. I think you should be friendly and make it as easy as possible on them. Try something like this: </p>
<p>Hi Professor Smith!</p>
<p>My name is Mr Physics, and I emailed you last week inquiring about any openings in your lab for the upcoming semester (see below for a copy). Have you had a chance to check?</p>
<p>I read your paper about blah blah blah, and I am really interested in learning more about this and that. I would be happy to speak with you about this at your convenience–my phone number is 777 777 7777 and this is the best email address for me.</p>
<p>Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Mr Penguin
(email address)
(phone number)</p>
<p>(Copy/pasted previous message)</p>
<p>Notes: the trick is to keep it short. Don’t add more than a sentence or two to what I wrote out above. You want them to be able to read your message, think about a reply, and write it to you in the shortest time possible (I aim for <5min). Another good tip is to write a killer subject line, and I usually do this after writing the email. For this one, I might say “Following up re: openings in your lab SS2013” This way, as soon as he sees it in his inbox it jogs his memory, you wrote him a polite message, he has a direct question to reply to (“Have you had a chance to check?”), you reminded him of the previous message, and you gave him multiple ways to reply.</p>
<p>Pitfalls: too long, vague subject lines, no specific action items, takes too long to reply. Avoid these!</p>