Below is a compilation of advice shared by individuals who have navigated the research job search and secured research assistant positions at institutions including the Broad Institute, Harvard, UCSF, UChicago, and Amgen.

Academic Labs ⬇️

Finding Opportunities:

• General Advice:

  • Timing matters when applying for research assistant positions. Not all labs remove job postings once they have identified a candidate, and some institutions require positions to remain posted for a set amount of time even after the search is effectively over.

    I recommend focusing on positions that have been posted within the last two weeks, with newer postings generally being better. Many labs review applications on a rolling basis, so applying early can significantly increase your chances of being seen.

    Once a posting has been up for a while, your application may get lost in a large pool of applicants, or the lab may already be interviewing candidates from the first batch of applications. While labs are looking for strong candidates, they are also hoping to fill positions in a timely manner and may move forward once they find someone who is a good fit.

• Unfortunately, there isn’t a single centralized place where all labs post hiring opportunities. Where you start often depends on your goals—whether you’re targeting specific institutions or exploring opportunities more broadly by location.

  • Regardless of your approach, LinkedIn is a great place to start. You can filter by location or institution and set up job alerts for roles that match your interests. This helps you get a sense of what opportunities are available and ensures you’re applying to recently posted positions. LinkedIn can also help you identify an institution’s broader job posting site, since listings often redirect to the original posting. In some cases, you can also briefly introduce yourself via message, which may help put a name to a face when your application is reviewed.

  • Institution: One helpful strategy is working or teching at an institution where you hope to attend graduate school. This can create opportunities to network with faculty involved in admissions and help you better understand the culture and research environment.

    • Institution job posting websites: If you are targeting a specific school, start by finding its official job posting website (e.g., searching “jobs at [institution]”). Once there, it can be useful to filter by department and posting date to focus on the most relevant and recent opportunities.

    • Identifying labs and cold emailing: Some labs have “Join Us” pages that outline the types of positions they are hiring for. While these pages are not always up to date, they can still be a useful starting point. If a lab looks like a good fit, it is often worth emailing the PI or the listed contact directly. Keep emails concise and to the point—briefly introduce your interest in the lab, your relevant experience, and how long you are able to commit. I'd recommend always including your CV/resume so they can review it for more information about you.

      • Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back. Unfortunately, lack of response is very common in this process.
      • Below is an example of a successful cold email

      

    Preparing Your Application

    • Requirements vary depending on the lab, but most applications typically include a cover letter, CV/resume, and 2–3 references. You may also be asked to provide basic information such as your location, willingness to relocate, and other standard administrative details.

      • Be sure to clearly highlight your contributions in any previous research experience you have. While it can be tempting to reuse the same application for multiple positions, it’s important to tailor each one. Specifically, explain why you are interested in that particular lab and connect your past experiences to the work they do. Many listings also include preferred qualifications, so if any align with your background, make sure to emphasize those matches.
      • For your CV/resume, there is no single “correct” format, but clarity and relevance are key. In general, organize your most relevant experiences toward the top. A common structure includes Education, Research Experience, Publications, Fellowships/Awards, and Work Experience.
      • Cover Letter Content: Your cover letter should not just restate your CV. It is your opportunity to explain why you are a strong fit for the lab and to give the reader a sense of who you are as a scientist. The goal is to make someone want to invite you for an interview, which requires more than simply listing skills and experiences. It can help to include some personality and provide a clear snapshot of your motivations and scientific interests.
        • If you mention an interest in postgraduate education or continuing in this field, it is helpful to be more specific. If you are considering graduate school, clearly state your short-term career goals and how this position fits into them. Being explicit about your direction adds clarity and voice to your application and helps show genuine commitment to the research.

      Interviewing

      • Interviews for RA positions are often as much about fit as they are about technical skill. You should expect a mix of questions about your previous research experience, how you approach problem-solving, and why you are interested in the specific lab.
      • When discussing your past work, focus on your contributions rather than just the project itself. Be ready to explain what you did, why it mattered, and what you learned. It also helps to prepare a clear, simple way of describing your research to different audiences, since interviewers may range from PIs to lab managers to graduate students.
      • You will likely also be asked behavioral questions about collaboration, handling setbacks, and working independently. It is helpful to have a few examples prepared in advance that highlight how you think through problems and respond to challenges.
      • Finally, always prepare questions to ask the lab (both about their science and the lab culture). This is your chance to understand mentorship style, day-to-day expectations, and how projects are typically structured.

      Evaluating Labs and Offers

      • When evaluating offers, it is important to look beyond the prestige of the institution and focus on day-to-day experience and long-term fit.
      • Mentorship style is one of the most important factors. Consider how much guidance you will receive, how often you will meet with your PI or supervisor, and how independent you are expected to be early on.
      • Lab culture also matters a lot. Try to understand how the team interacts, whether collaboration is encouraged, and how supportive the environment feels. Speaking with current lab members can be especially helpful for this.
      • You should also think about how the position aligns with your long-term goals. Consider whether you will gain the skills, research exposure, and mentorship needed for your next step, whether that is graduate school or another research role.
      • Finally, be practical about logistics such as compensation, location, and workload expectations. A strong fit is one where both the research and the working environment support your growth.