Where can I employ a private research assistant?

Undergraduate Lab Assistant (Research Assistant)?

• I really want to work as an assistant in a lab during my winter vacation, whether it is as a research assistant or just a lab assistant. I have a few questions though: 1) How do I go about finding these positions? I'm also looking into shadowing / volunteering (for winter/spring/summer, wherever I can find time after my planning is complete). 2) Would it be nonsensical to look for a position for winter break? My winter break is only 3 weeks long. Should I take into account interviewing, training, etc.? 3) I don't know exactly what field of research I a interested in yet. Although I can learn more about whatever field I decide on, is it bad that I have a lack of experience/knowledge? My biggest concern is that I don't know whether to look for a program at a university, simply ask a physician at a hospital, investigate hospital programs, etc. I don't know where to look.

• Answer:

  1. Ask professors. If your school has an undergraduate research office, go there. Actually getting the position is usually somewhat informal, especially if you're doing it on a volunteer basis. 2. Yes. It's only 3 weeks and the university will probably be closed for at least one of them. Plan on spending at least a summer or do it part time during the semester. 3. Most undergrads don't have much experience. But you should try to come up with something so you know which professors to talk to. Look at their research interests on their online bio pages.