Working in labs at UCSD

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - San Diego
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>Does anyone here have experience working in professors' labs? I'm in a dilemma because I want to TA next year but I'm also kinda interested in working in a lab. However, if I do end up working in a lab I think it will have to be a year-long deal whereas being a TA is a quarter by quarter deal. So my question is, is working in a lab AND being a TA AND taking UD bio classes doable? I understand that both jobs require at least 10hrs of work a week each so I'm worried I won't have time to study on top of that.
If I had it my way I'd TA in fall quarter because one of the professors I've taken is teaching again so I want to TA that class, and then work in a lab starting winter quarter but I doubt professors would be hiring then....so, does anyone have any input? And just to be clear, by working in a lab I mean cleaning test tubes (so I've been told) and not actually researching.</p>

2

<p>I’d like to know too!</p>

3

<p>If it’s going to be cleaning test tubes definitely do not take the position UNLESS you’re certain it will lead to a research position. To do this make sure you develop a relationship with a postdoc and get one to take you on as an assistant. Don’t assume that you will eventually be offered a position. Plenty of labs have absolutely no problem with keeping undergrads in a glass washing position permanently.</p>

<p>That being said, if you need some money glassware washing is a decent gig because you can go in whenever you want. However, it’s not going to contribute to your future job prospects in the least. If you think it might affect your GPA I definitely don’t recommend it.</p>