Quick guide: How to get a research position

Hey everyone!

I've got a few DMs asking how I got my research position, so I thought I'd write something everyone can see.

I got my postdoctoral research position through cold emails (and many of my friends have done the same). Below is a quick guide on how to write a good email for this purpose.

Introduction

  • Start with a formal, personalized greeting.
  • Mention specific details about the recipient's work that you admire (show genuine interest).
  • This can be done by highlighting their contributions to a particular field or mentioning a specific study that you read.

In other words, don't send generic emails (it's fine to have your own template and adapt it to different people, but you shouldn't be sending the exact same thing to different people).

Your background

  • Introduce yourself briefly, including your name, background, and specific interest in working with them.

This will help provide context about who you are and why you are reaching out to them.

Your needs

  • Funding: Indicate if you are looking for a paid position or if you are willing to be self-funded (live on your own cash).
  • Visa: If you require sponsorship, make sure to mention that. If you don't need a visa, then be sure to mention it too (so they know that won't be a concern for them).

Visa or funding requirements can be a deal breaker for many labs/institutions. If that's the case, it's better to find out sooner rather than later.

Future goals

  • Outline your mid/long-term career goals (e.g., applying to the Match, becoming a physician in X or Y field, etc.).
    • Mention the importance/value of research for your path and how working with them will help you.

Important

  • Include your CV and contact information.

Closing

  • Reiterate your excitement about the potential opportunity and readiness for further discussions.
  • End with a professional sign-off like "Best regards" followed by your name.

General recommendations

  • Be concise, and make sure your email is easy to read (format paragraphs well).
  • Use a professional tone, and DON'T be needy or pushy.

Bonus tip

  • Track email opens to see if/when they open the email (there are free Chrome extensions for this).
    • Some institutions have blockers, so it isn't 100% effective, but it works most of the time.

If they open it and never respond, you have your answer. If they don't open it, send a follow-up email after a few weeks.

Final thoughts

Remember that getting the position is just the beginning. After that, you need to perform well, build a solid relationship, and seize the opportunities you get.