Finding lab experience

Why it matters

Most first lab positions, especially undergraduate research spots, are never advertised. They go to people who ask, clearly and politely. A short, specific email to the right person is one of the highest-value things a student can write. This lesson shows where to look and how to write that email.

Where opportunities come from

• Faculty research labs. Browse your department's faculty pages. Read each lab's research summary and one recent paper abstract. Make a list of 5-10 labs whose work genuinely interests you.
• Formal programs. Many universities have undergraduate research offices with paid positions and course credit. In the US, NSF REUResearch Experiences for Undergraduates: NSF-funded summer research sites in the US, often with a stipend and housing. (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) sites and NIH summer programs fund summer research, often with housing and a stipend.
• Community colleges. Biotech programs at community colleges often include internships with local companies.
• Hospital labs. Entry roles such as lab assistant, specimen processorAn entry-level hospital lab role that receives and prepares patient samples, putting you inside a clinical lab. or phlebotomist put you inside a clinical lab. Hospital careers pages list them; some MLS programs also offer information sessions.
• Industry. Biotech, pharma, food and agricultural companies post internships and co-ops, often on their own careers pages.
• Public health and government labs. State public health labs and federal agencies run internships and fellowships.

Writing the email

Faculty receive many emails. Make yours easy to say yes to:

1. Subject lineThe first thing a professor sees in your email; a specific one names your status and the lab's research topic.: specific. "Undergraduate interested in your enzyme kinetics research" beats "Research opportunity?".
2. Who you are: one sentence: year, major, school.
3. Why this lab: one or two sentences showing you read about their work. Mention a specific project or paper in your own words.
4. What you offer: relevant courses, lab skills, hours per week you can commit, and when you could start.
5. The ask: a short meeting, or whether they have room for an undergraduate.
6. Attach a one-page resume. Keep the email under about 200 words.

A worked example

Subject: Biology sophomore interested in your bacterial biofilm research

Dear Dr. Rivera,

I am a second-year biology major at State University. I read your lab's
page on how biofilms form on medical tubing, and your recent paper on
surface coatings that slow biofilm growth. The idea of preventing
infections through materials design is the reason I chose biology.

I have completed General Biology I-II and General Chemistry I with labs,
where I practised sterile technique, micropipetting and keeping a lab
notebook. I can commit 8-10 hours a week starting in January, and I am
happy to begin with media prep and lab upkeep.

Would you have 15 minutes to meet, or room for an undergraduate this
spring? My resume is attached.

Thank you for your time,
Jordan Lee   (jordan.lee@stateu.edu)

It is short, specific, honest about experience level, and makes a small, easy request.

Following up

• If there is no reply after about one to two weeks, send one polite follow-up.
• If a lab says no, ask whether they can suggest another lab. Many positions come through referralsIntroductions from one lab or contact to another, a common way first lab positions are found..
• Send emails to several labs (individually written, not copy-pasted with only the name changed).
• If you get a meeting, prepare two or three questions about the work and be ready to describe what you hope to learn.

Hospital lab applications

For clinical roles, apply through the hospital's careers site. Read the posting for requirements (some need a high-school diploma, some a phlebotomy certificate, some coursework). Mention reliability, attention to detail and comfort with shift work. Ask MLS program staff whether local hospitals host students or offer tours.

Common mistakes

• Mass emails that clearly were not written for that lab.
• Long emails with life stories; keep it under a screen.
• Overstating skills. Saying you can "run PCR independently" after one class lab sets you up to fail.
• Giving up after one no. Rejection is normal; persistence and referrals work.

Quick recap

• Most first lab positions come from asking: faculty labs, formal programs (REU, NIH summer), hospitals, industry and public health labs.
• Write a short, specific email: who you are, why this lab, what you offer, a small request, resume attached.
• Follow up once, ask for referrals, and apply to several places.

Try it

Open the Do tab to research a lab or program and draft your own email.