Finding a lab position in Molecular and Cell Biology faculty labs:

1. Look through the MCB Faculty Research Interest webpage (http://mcb.berkeley.edu/faculty/) which describes the research interests of the faculty in the department. Determine in which laboratories you might wish to work.
   
   
2. Consult other MCB students to learn what other students have done to obtain MCB lab positions and get their perspective on the experience they’ve gained. Students can be contacted via the MCB Online Student Forum at http://mcb.berkeley.edu/undergrad/forum/. You can also ask the peer advisors in 2083 VLSB for their opinions.
   
   
3. Before contacting a professor, you should review some of the latest publications that have come out of his/her lab. You will find a list of recent publications on the MCB Faculty Research Interest webpage. You can look at the publications in the Biosciences Library in VLSB. You are not expected to understand the articles completely, but if you read some articles and try to understand the professors’ research as best as you can, they will be more convinced of the seriousness and depth of your interest in research.


4. Bring a resume, contact information, and your most recent UC Berkeley transcript (an unofficial copy is fine) to your appointment with a professor. Professors often find this information useful for future reference.


5. Set up appointments to meet with the professors you have selected. Faculty directories are available in the UAO.
   Tip: When calling or emailing professors, do not ask “Do you have space in your lab?” since most professors will find this approach too casual. It works best if you can meet with him/her for advice on getting into a lab that does that type of research. Once you make an appointment, keep the appointment and be on time. Otherwise, faculty may be less willing to make other appointments with you.
   
   
6. During your appointment, ask the professors if they would be willing to accept you into their labs to do an independent research project. Professors want students who are genuinely interested in their research, not students who are primarily interested in improving their resume. Be prepared to discuss his/her work intelligently. Since there is so much competition for MCB lab positions, it is wise to approach your search for a lab position with the same degree of professionalism you would approach a real job search.
   
   
7. Clearly indicate whether you are seeking a paid position or whether you are seeking work for academic credit. In almost all cases, professors only offer unit credit during the academic year. Occasionally, professors will pay summer salaries to students who are continuing work begun in the academic year. Discuss whether you would take MCB 199 or, if you are eligible, our honors courses, H196A/B. Find out how many hours a week the professor expects you to work and decide on an appropriate number of units.

Finding a lab position in non-MCB labs: