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Ask Eleanor
How to get a head start in a professor's lab
Features | 4/1/08
Posted online at 11:25 PM EST on 3/31/08
Dear Eleanor,
I've been taking a bunch of science classes, and I really would like to start working in a lab. I'm not sure how to make this happen. Is it even possible to get a lab position as a first-year?
-Brandeis Undergrad Needs Science Experience Now
Dear BUNSEN,
I love to hear from students who want to get more involved in academic pursuits, and professors at Brandeis feel the same way! Even in nonscience departments, it's certainly possible to work with professors and postdoctorate students in a research setting. Starting early in your college career is often the best scenario-if you start in a lab (or on a written research project) early, professors can train you and then keep you involved in the project for a longer period of time.
For you, dear BUNSEN, and other students in the sciences, there are two types of laboratory jobs: lab assistant and research assistant. Lab assistants help with the logistics of lab, and research assistants help with actual research, usually under the supervision of a postdoctorate student. Lab assistant job postings can be found on the Financial Services job posting list. After spending time as a lab assistant, you can often work your way up to a research assistant position. If you'd like to go a bit further and become a research assistant right away, the first step is to contact the professor with whom you'd like to work. As with any job application or interview, it's always best to come prepared with some background knowledge. Before approaching a professor about a research position, go to faculty Web sites (bio.brandeis.edu/fac.html), and investigate the professor's research specialties. If you don't know which lab you want to work in, then go to the Biology department Web site (bio.brandeis.edu/ug/ugradResearchIntro.html) and fill out the form. From there, the Biology department can help you link up with a professor. Although this option is available, it's always preferable to interact directly with a professor who runs a lab with a subject that interests you.
It's important to note that there are research opportunities in all departments, not just science! The best way to obtain a research position is simply to get to know your professors. Engage them in discussion about their research and experience in their field of expertise. With some background knowledge, hard work and commitment, you can be hitting the books on exciting research projects in no time.
Take care,
Eleanor
Ask Eleanor is a service provided by the Roosevelt Fellows, a group of peer academic advisors named after the former first lady to honor her contributions to Brandeis during its foundation. To have your question answered, e-mail askeleanor@brandeis.edu or visit the Roosevelt Fellows office hours in the Office of Academic Services in Usdan, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
I've been taking a bunch of science classes, and I really would like to start working in a lab. I'm not sure how to make this happen. Is it even possible to get a lab position as a first-year?
-Brandeis Undergrad Needs Science Experience Now
Dear BUNSEN,
I love to hear from students who want to get more involved in academic pursuits, and professors at Brandeis feel the same way! Even in nonscience departments, it's certainly possible to work with professors and postdoctorate students in a research setting. Starting early in your college career is often the best scenario-if you start in a lab (or on a written research project) early, professors can train you and then keep you involved in the project for a longer period of time.
For you, dear BUNSEN, and other students in the sciences, there are two types of laboratory jobs: lab assistant and research assistant. Lab assistants help with the logistics of lab, and research assistants help with actual research, usually under the supervision of a postdoctorate student. Lab assistant job postings can be found on the Financial Services job posting list. After spending time as a lab assistant, you can often work your way up to a research assistant position. If you'd like to go a bit further and become a research assistant right away, the first step is to contact the professor with whom you'd like to work. As with any job application or interview, it's always best to come prepared with some background knowledge. Before approaching a professor about a research position, go to faculty Web sites (bio.brandeis.edu/fac.html), and investigate the professor's research specialties. If you don't know which lab you want to work in, then go to the Biology department Web site (bio.brandeis.edu/ug/ugradResearchIntro.html) and fill out the form. From there, the Biology department can help you link up with a professor. Although this option is available, it's always preferable to interact directly with a professor who runs a lab with a subject that interests you.
It's important to note that there are research opportunities in all departments, not just science! The best way to obtain a research position is simply to get to know your professors. Engage them in discussion about their research and experience in their field of expertise. With some background knowledge, hard work and commitment, you can be hitting the books on exciting research projects in no time.
Take care,
Eleanor
Ask Eleanor is a service provided by the Roosevelt Fellows, a group of peer academic advisors named after the former first lady to honor her contributions to Brandeis during its foundation. To have your question answered, e-mail askeleanor@brandeis.edu or visit the Roosevelt Fellows office hours in the Office of Academic Services in Usdan, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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