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Timeline for Applying to
Post-Bacc Research Positions

It is best to be prepared for this process before your winter/spring semesters, as open positions are most abundant during that time.


This timeline is designated for people who want to begin their position in the summer right after graduation. Open positions for full-time research can be available throughout all times of the year, so take this timeline as a general guideline of how the process will look like.

Before Applying

You want to have at least one undergraduate internship in research before applying to these positions. In most cases, this is actually a prerequisite. Make sure to adhere to the "How to be a top undergraduate researcher" section in our Undergrad Guide to make yourself a highly competitive applicant.

If you are in your senior year and without research experience, you should look into PREP programs (deadlines typically in early spring) for your desired field to gain the necessary experience that a full-time job would provide... and they're funded!

January: Prepare materials

Prepare your CV

You really want to sell yourself as a researcher. Follow these main steps to stand out in your applications:

  • Have your research interests (both past and current) on the front page

  • Mention advisors, institutions, and professors on each experience

  • Focus on research and academia as the top sections, then work your way down to skills and other positions/projects

  • INCLUDE REFERENCES AT THE BOTTOM!!!

Have someone review your CV prior to applications, such as a college writing center or one of your research advisors.

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Ask mentors for your potential references

Connections are unfortunately half the battle when it comes to post-bacc jobs... in pretty much any field! People to consider to be your references should be:

  • Professors that you have done research with

  • Professors that you've excelled in their class and you are hoping to get into their field

  • Bosses in an industry position that is related to your field

February to May: Apply for Positions

Types of Positions

  • Lab Manager: work on data collection, funding and lab equipment management, hiring/training process for all future lab members, potential opportunities for data analysis, work directly under the principal investigator

  • Research Assistant/Associate: collect data, analyze data, data management, participant recruitment, work under a postdoctoral researcher or the principal investigator

  • Clinical Research Coordinator: similar to lab manager position, but with an emphasis on clinical research

  • Junior Specialist: catch-all term for all positions above

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Ways to Apply

  1. Cold emailing labs -- best for if you have specific goals on research topics or methodologies, however more likely to get rejected due to lack of space/funding in your desired lab.​​

  2. LinkedIn -- best option if you are more flexible with what you want to research and instead want to look in your area. Have notifications for the position titles listed above and your research field, and look for postings by universities.

  3. University websites -- best option if you have specific locations or research topics in mind. typically look up "[university name] jobs" (e.g., "University of California jobs") and look for official sites.

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Cover Letters
ALWAYS DO THEM!!! Even if they are “optional” it is best to summarize your CV and how it applies to their lab before the interview
Click here for a Cover Letter template!

April to June: Interviews and Acceptances/Rejections

Inform your references that they will likely be contacted BEFORE THE INTERVIEW DATE!

During the interview, you want to discuss these main topics:​

  • Highlight how your research interests and experiences align with the lab you're applying for

  • Emphasize how you are willing to commit to their lab for 2-3 years (this is NECESSARY because they will not accept researchers that only expect to do one gap year)

  • Explain how working with this lab will prepare you for your future goals (e.g., Ph.D. programs)

  • Answer any questions honestly and sincerely


Possible questions to ask your interviewers:

  • What does a typical work day look like for someone in this position?

  • What are the opportunities for growth as a full-time researcher, that you've seen from previous people in this position?

  • Is this lab environment collaborative, or a highly independent group?


Most likely if you have gotten to the interview stage, you will walk out of it knowing whether you are accepted or rejected. However, in prior experience, they are quick to confirm this belief and let you know whether you got the position or went ahead with another candidate.

Summer: Start Date! :)

Once you get accepted, work through the HR department on getting everything finalized, and hopefully you will begin in the summer after you graduate!

Good luck on your application process!

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