There are many ways to find research opportunities as a student in the College of Biological Sciences. Below are a number of paths people have taken to get involved in research.
Cold Emailing
Directly emailing professors is often the easiest way to find research opportunities. This is especially true if you have already identified particular Principal Investigators (PIs) with research that interests you. In your email, it is important to include information about why you find the lab interesting, along with personal information such as a resume, a cover letter, and/or a recommendation from a professor who can speak for you. An example of an email template is provided below. This is an email that has previously received positive responses from faculty but is not a strict template; use it as inspiration!
Subject: Undergraduate Research Opportunity
Dear Dr. [Professor's last name],
My name is [full name] and I am a [year in school] undergraduate student the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and I will be studying [major] in [college].
I read about your lab's projects and research, and I found your project on [indicate you have taken the time to become acquainted with their work] very interesting.
I wanted to know if I could ask you about a possibility of a position involving research experience during the upcoming academic year or beyond in a meeting in person or on Zoom in the next month. Please let me know what date and time works best for you. I have roughly [x] hours available each week to work in your lab. I have attached a resume in case you'd like to take a look. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Attach your resume/CV and college transcript (if you have one) below.]
GopheResearch
On GopheResearch, labs in the life sciences post openings for undergraduate researchers. Labs from CBS, the Medical School, and CFANS have participated. These positions can be either paid, UROP, or directed research, and usually require a commitment of eight or more hours a week.
UMN Student Jobs Website
Often, research positions that don't make it on to GopheResearch will be posted on the Student Jobs website. Follow this series of directions to discover these additional research opportunities!
> On-campus Jobs
> Under "Job Family" in the left-hand column, most research positions will be posted under "Stu Academic," "Stu Administrative/Support," or "Stu Technician Services"
> Find positions that interest you! Keep in mind you may have to search around the site and read the job descriptions before finding one that fits you.