Contacting faculty about research opportunities

Everyone needs multiple CVs. There is the long version that has everything and also much shorter, specific CVs including those that are research focused. Before reaching out to faculty you should prepare a focused CV. You can highlight one or two volunteer or leadership activities, but you do not need them all unless they are relevant to the research that you hope to participate in. If you have specific research skills these can be highlighted at the bottom. Include publications, posters, and talks if you have them (include the full title, journal, and all authors).

• Name, local address, BU email, telephone #
• Education: School names, location, degrees earned, major/minor—be clear you are a current BU student
• Research experiences: Give it a title, where did the research take place, name of mentor, include a brief description of the project and your role.
• Research related skills.
• Other information that is relevant to research.
• Publications and presentations (include all authors, bold your name). Try not to include more than 1 “in preparation”

Ask a friend or a faculty member to proof your CV.

• Always use your bu.edu email address—this will prevent messages from going into spam
• Subject line: use clear language, “BU medical student interested in research”
• Greeting: always use a formal greeting, “Dear Dr. Mentor”
• Body of email: keep this short (4-5 sentences).
  • Introduce yourself and be clear that you are a BU medical student. Example: “I am a first year BU medical student interested in cancer research”
  • Explain why you are contacting them in particular. Did another faculty member or student refer you? Is there something specific about their research that you find particularly exciting?
  • Program information: If you are contacting faculty about a specific research program let them know about the details. Example: “I am interested in participating in the medical student summer research program (MSSRP). This program supports full time research for medical students to work with BU faculty during the summer between the first and second year of medical school.” This gives enough information about the program (hopefully they already know about it). You may want to include the dates of the program too.
  • Thank them for their time and ask for an opportunity to meet with them to learn more about their research and to discuss potential research opportunities.
  • Attach your updated CV as a PDF.
  • Re-read the email message to be certain it is free of typographical errors before sending.

Faculty are busy so if you do not hear back in 7-10 days you may want to send a short follow up email, just to check in. Once you hear back, ask about days/times that are good for them—and schedule the meeting. Ask for directions now if you are uncertain where their office and research space is located.

Before your meeting to discuss research projects it is helpful to read through the last 2-3 papers from the group. This will help you familiarize yourself with their work. Maybe even read a review article.  Try to have a few questions in mind. Always arrive a few minutes early, but not too early. At the meeting/interview be prepared describe a bit about your path, why you are interested in their research, and if you are interested in a specific research program describe the details at this meeting. Ask about their research team and who else you would potentially be working with. Ask about their expectations for research including time commitments. Be clear at the meeting what your availability is to perform research.

Always send a follow up email thanking them for the time. If it is a research project and mentor that will be a good match—definitely let them know that you are interested.

Congratulations—you have been accepted to join the research mentor’s team. You should ask about what trainings you need to complete (IRB, IACUC, IBC, etc) and if it is for program with an application (LEADS, MSSRP, M3, M4) let them know what you will need from them and the due date.