So, you’ve decided you want to dip your toes into the world of research! However, you’re not quite ready for a PhD commitment (trust me, no one blames you)! The perfect next step? Becoming a Research Assistant (RA) or Research Technician (RT)! It’s like being the lab’s sidekick! You’re not the superhero (the professor is), but you are in on the action and learning the ropes!

Ready to kick off your RA/RT journey? Here are some tips to land your first lab job!

1. Brush Up on Your CV (And your Google Search Skills)
2. Make connections!
3. Don’t underestimate the power of a good email!
4. Be Prepared to Work for Free (Or close to it)
5. Keep Your Eyes Open for New Opportunities
6. Leverage Your Master’s/ Undergrad Project

1) Brush Up on Your CV (And your Google Search Skills)

Okay, so you don’t have a fancy lab background (yet)! But this isn’t a problem! No one expects RAs/RTs to have every lab skill in the world! The key is to highlight transferable skills. Have you ever sorted data using GraphPad Prism? Put that down. Have you ever helped organize an event? Mention it! Completed a piece of coursework very similar to the lab you’re applying for research? Put that down too! Lab work is all about organization and is very detail-oriented. So even if you have never pipetted a thing in your life, show that you are organized!

Tip: Also, a quick google search of ‘research assistant resume/cv examples’ will do wonders!

2) Make connections!

I know networking sounds intimidating, but it is essential! If you are still in school, networking is KEY! Remember, it’s not what you know, it’s not who you know, but who knows YOU! You don’t have to know every single person in science (not possible), but it is good to get to know a few people in your desired field! Preferably, those who work in a lab! Check out this blog post to learn about the importance of networking in academia. And this blog post for networking tips!

Tip: Don’t be a passive student! Attend academic events, seminars, conferences, etc., and make connections with the faculty or grad students. A casual chat about their research could get you a foot in the door for that lab position! When you build up real rapport with people, you’re more likely to hear about opportunities before they are even posted!

3) Don’t underestimate the power of a good email!

When emailing professors or researchers about potential RA/RT positions, don’t just say, ‘Hey, I’m interested in a job; please help me xoxo.’ This type of email has an almost 100% unsuccessful rate! Remember, professors are busy people, and they don’t like getting their time wasted!

Tip: Mention why you’re interested in their specific research, and can you prove it? What skills do you bring to the table? Are you enthusiastic about learning new things? (It’s okay if you don’t have a lot of lab experience, as long as you show a willingness to learn)! Also, keep it professional, but not robotic. No one wants to read an email that sounds like it’s coming from ET!

4) Be Prepared to Work for Free (Or close to it)

Ah yes, the classic dilemma of many entry-level academic positions: the unpaid internship! While some labs do offer stipends, many research assistant positions are unpaid, at least at the beginning! But look at it this way: the experience and skills you gain could lead to paid opportunities down the road!

Tip: If you can get by financially, don’t be afraid to work for free, even for a little while! I first worked as an unpaid research intern for two days a week; then, on the other days, I got a part-time job. This way, I was able to gain experience and some extra cash! This internship also helped me secure my PhD position!

5) Keep Your Eyes Open for New Opportunities

Learning your first academic role isn’t always easy. However, being proactive will definitely help. Keep your eyes open for opportunities. First, set up LinkedIn and Indeed job alerts for “Research Assistant” positions. The perfect opportunity may pop up when you least expect it. Being the first to apply can make a huge difference!

Tip: Turn on job notifications for LinkedIn, Indeed, or any other job search engine. Be quick to apply, but also tailor your CV and cover letter to each position. The more effort you put in upfront, the better your chances of catching the eye of the hiring manager.

6) Leverage Your Master’s/ Undergrad Project

One of the best ways to land an RA/RT role is to make a lasting impression during your master’s or undergraduate project. Many students are invited to stay on as RAs/RTs because they have already proven they can handle the lab’s work, and their supervisor enjoys working with them!

Tip: Use your project as an opportunity to show initiative, take on extra tasks, ask for feedback, and demonstrate your problem-solving skills. By showing that you’re reliable, dedicated, and a quick learner, your professors or lab supervisors will be much more likely to offer you a position when they need someone. Plus, being familiar with the research already means you’ll have a leg up on new applicants!

Conclusion

Landing your first RA/RT role won’t happen overnight. But with a bit of preparation and the willingness to put in the work, you’ll be on your way to landing that role very soon! Ready to roll up your sleeves and get started? The lab is waiting for you!