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@flora
49 answers, 127 votes
 • a year ago •
Juniors
[edited]

How do I get research assistant positions at a lab?
Answered

I'm very interested in research and lab work. I'm willing to do it for free without any compensation, but I don't want it to be a paid program either (where I'll need to pay to participate in it). I simply want to gain experience and learn more about the procedures in a research study at a lab. I want to be an active member in a study in any way possible. How do I accomplish this?

I'm currently taking AP Seminar and plan to do AP Research next year. I'm also taking AP courses and other online courses to gain more knowledge in my subject of interest.

I don't want to attend pre college programs or tier 1 programs or any paid programs as I don't think I have a good enough resume for that. I'm not trying to do this for college applications. I genuinely want to explore research labs and possibly publish my own research one day in the future so any form of experience would be appreciated!

Thank you!!

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@AlexanderOddo
expert
956 answers, 642 votes
 • a year ago

I recommend reaching out to research professors at colleges in your local area. If you email enough of them, there is a chance that one will let you assist them. Explain your background in the professor's research area and why their work interests you in your initial email.

Besides that, taking AP Research and other APs related to the subject you want to study is a good idea. If you can't get a formal position in a lab, you can always conduct your own research at home and self-publish your findings.

Hope this helps!

1
[🎤 AUTHOR]@floraa year ago

Do you think I have a chance of being accepted by a research professor without any previous experience in lab work? What do you think they look for on my resume to consider me? Is being knowledgeable about their area of research enough (by reading research papers and taking AP courses?

@AlexanderOddo
expert
a year ago

You will have a chance without any previous research experience. Few high school students have done research before, so a professor who is open to having your assistance will just want to see that you are motivated and knowledgeable about their area. Your resume should showcase your work/volunteering experience, involvement with student clubs, and honors. In your introduction email, you can state how you have taken relevant AP classes, read research papers, etc.

[🎤 AUTHOR]@floraa year ago

Most of my extracurricular involvement doesn't relate to my field of interest (science/biology), but I have good leadership roles and involvement. Would that be fine?

@AlexanderOddo
expert
a year ago

That will be A-okay! Professors are going to want your help with simple research tasks, such as collecting data, running a centrifuge, etc. They'll have college students do the more advanced work that requires a lot of background knowledge. All you will need for your role is a good work ethic and experience being a team player, which your EC list will show.

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