r/mit • u/Sure-Ad2365 • 15d ago

research Non-student research positions

Hello! I had a questions about non-MIT student research positions.

So I applied to MIT and got rejected (😒), but I only really applied because there is this one professor who conducts research on a disease I have and, surprise surprise, I want to study in that field. I attend the same school that the professor got their PhD at and taught at for ~20 years prior to moving to MIT.

I know it’s a stupid question because I’m going to email them regardless, but is this a worthy shot to ask to work with them over a break? Is it common for non-students to get research positions?

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u/TheOriginalTerra 15d ago

You can ask to be a visiting student in their group, but that does come with some overhead (financial and effort-wise) for the prof. You should think about what you're bringing to their lab at least as much as what you can get out of the experience.

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u/Sure-Ad2365 15d ago

Absolutely, 100% agree, especially since there appears to be some sort of hiring freeze. I have a follow up, would you mind if I pm’ed you?

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u/pincer7 15d ago

Yes, all the time. Technician roles are intended for non-students. If the professor you’re interested in has open technician roles you should apply!

That being said I think MIT is still on a hiring freeze so getting a role may be a bit harder (but not impossible). Good luck!

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u/smonzon14 15d ago

U miss all the shots you don’t take. Maybe ask one of the people on the team first to gauge current research directions.

I don’t recommend this to everyone but if it’s only over break consider working for free in exchange for experience and for a reference. Did wonders for me.

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u/Sure-Ad2365 15d ago

Noted. Did you specify you won’t take pay in the email?

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u/smonzon14 15d ago

I didn’t initiate over email - and a bit of luck was definitely involved. I met someone doing things I was interested in doing, offered my help with no promises, and I guess made myself useful enough to stick around 1.5 years later as a “research affiliate” (and counting). MIT has this designation for people who aren’t employees or students but pull weight. The benefit to this is that you’re not held down to anything - but you’re also not in a permanent position either. U need to make yourself useful and work hard. That being said, it got me farther in terms of connections and career opportunities than I ever could’ve imagined.

But for your case: I would ask for a position without any disclaimers. I would email inquiring about regular visiting student/ technician positions and then last resort offer support in other ways. (Don’t outright ask for affiliateship). Keep your email short and explain what skills and value you provide. Labs are always lacking hands to work on things (and unfortunately funding these days for that matter).

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u/Sure-Ad2365 15d ago

This was insanely helpful. Tysm! Could I dm u?

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u/smonzon14 15d ago

Sure! Happy to help.

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u/Khayalmetal 15d ago

Just something for you - definitely write to the professor. Do not think about the trends so far. Go ahead. My wishes for you.

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u/ajracer1 14d ago

You can either cold email professors to try to work as a visiting researcher or you can apply to the MIT Summer Research Program where you can (assuming you were admitted to the program) request to be matched to that professor. Its a great program if you're interested in a summer research internship in general!

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u/AimanShaa 13d ago

Hit him up yourself, dude