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Getting into a Research Lab
Getting into a Research Lab
1. Start with your interests
1. Start with your interests
Start with a general idea of topics you might be interested in exploring and narrow down 2-3 topics you want to pursue. Having a specific hook makes your eventual outreach much more convincing.
2. Build a Target Lab List
2. Build a Target Lab List
Explore UCLA Department websites and faculty directories. Skim lab pages and recent projects. Don't limit yourself to your own major, data science is interdisciplinary!
Search for keywords like "UCLA lab + [your interest]" to find opportunities in Psychology, Biology, or Engineering.
3. Do light research
3. Do light research
Before reaching out, read the lab’s 1–2 most recent paper abstracts. Identify the specific datasets or tools they used (like Python, R, or SQL).
Understanding their current challenges allows you to position yourself as a helpful contributor rather than just a trainee.
4. Send them a cold email
4. Send them a cold email
Keep it brief and relevant. No one wants to read through a long, unstructured email. Focus on how your specific skills can support their ongoing projects
Cold Email Template
Cold Email Template
Hi Professor [Last Name],
I’m a [year] studying [major] at UCLA, and I came across your work on [topic]. I found your research on [specific idea] really interesting, especially since I hope to work on [brief detail].
I am reaching out to see if you have any openings for an undergraduate researcher this [Season/Quarter]. I am proficient in Python (Pandas, Scikit-learn) and R, and I have experience with [Mention one project]
I've attached my resume and transcript below. Thank you for your time!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn/Portfolio Link]
Resources For UCLA Researchers
Resources For UCLA Researchers
What do undergrad researchers actually get to do?
What do undergrad researchers actually get to do?
If you have never worked in a lab, it’s normal to feel like you don't have "enough" experience. However, most labs expect to train you from scratch.
As a beginner, your role might include:
Data collection from participants
Preprocessing & Cleaning
Running Analyses & Experiments
Literature Reviews
Don't limit yourself to professors, ask TAs and grad students!
Don't limit yourself to professors, ask TAs and grad students!
If you have a TA whose research sounds interesting, ask them about it! They can often provide a direct referral or let you know if their lab is looking for extra hands.
Don't be afraid to contact labs because you have no experience.
Don't be afraid to contact labs because you have no experience.
Don't sweat too much about finding the absolute best lab for what you think you want to do grad school in. You'll definitely change/narrow your interests later, and just getting any lab and research experience is most important right now.
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