How To Get Full Time Research Assistant Job Advice

[Medase]

Hey guys,

I am a fourth year, finishing up a molecular biology specialist with a chem minor. I will be taking a gap year next year to apply for med school, and wanted to work full time in a research lab (wet lab preferably) in any downtown Toronto hospital for a full one year. I emailed a bunch of PI's past few weeks (google search)  but none of them have responded, so I was wondering if I'm doing something wrong. I have a bunch of research experience/academic achievements under my belt, NSERC, thesis, etc. Am I just applying way too early (available to start working June 2019) or are most of these connection based for university graduates? I'm looking for somewhere around Sickkids or the UHN network, but usually I see those that already have a masters get these full time positions. What's the best approach for a university graduate like me to get such positions?

[conbrio]

Hi Arisarz,

 

Have you tried applying to available job listings? If you look at the careers section for the Toronto hospital websites you should hopefully find a couple that pertain to your skills. Just be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position and be prepared to apply liberally and wait a couple months, as it's pretty competitive.

I had been doing that for my gap year as well and got a few bites at SickKids and the like (Edit: I don't have a MSc either but applied anyway). Best of luck!