How do I send Emails to secure a research position in the US?

If you are a graduate student or MD in search for a post-doctoral research position in the US, continue reading. The points that I briefly review here can significantly increase your chances of success. I hope you find it useful.?

?1-????Keep it brief.

Since the primary means for communication in the scientific community is Email, drafting a long Email in which you explain all your background, previous research experience, aspirations and future plans is definitely not a good idea. Keep in mind that faculty members, program directors and program coordinators who are usually assigned to review your Emails and CVs are VERY busy people. Ideally your Email should not include more than 2-3 brief paragraphs.?

2-????Your background and research interests.?

Provide pertinent and to the point information about your background and research interests. This could include 1-2 lines about your previous work/publications and how that is in line with the field of the person you would like to work with.

3-????Make it personal.

Although sending Emails to secure a position can be a cumbersome and time-consuming strategy, you do need to personalize the Emails as much as possible. To do this, its best to familiarize yourself with the previous work/publications of the faculty. If space allows, you can briefly provide a one-liner on how their study results is relevant to your prior work, interests or future career plans.?

4-????Grammar and spell check.

The Email you send to a faculty who is also looking to hire a research fellow is the very first impression you make. Therefore any foolish spelling errors or awkward grammar and sentencing can eliminate your chances. So make sure to double and triple check your Emails for spelling and grammar mistakes before hitting the send button.?

5-????Be prompt in responding.

If you receive a reply, whether positive or negative, it is best if you Email back within a reasonable time-frame. This reflects your professionalism and enthusiasm, which can increase your chances of securing the position.?

6-????Do not be discouraged.

You may need to send so many Emails before hearing any good news or see any progress. Considering how cumbersome this process can be, do not be discouraged if you do not get any replies, or if the only replies you get are negative. Persistence is the key.

Here are a few more points to keep in mind:

·??????Be respectful, professional and humble throughout all your communications.?

·??????If you are using the same Email template to send requests to multiple faculty members who may be working in the same department, try to change your Email and personalize it from one to another.?

·??????Some people believe that your attached CV should also be a brief version, easy to read and follow through.?

·??????Keep a list of names, Email addresses, university/departments, specialties, etc of the people you Email and update it everyday ie. in an excel file (you can also add optional columns such as their research interests, whether they replied back to you or not, etc).??

Here is an example of an Email template (for your review only):

Dear Dr. X

I hope this Email finds you well.

My name is ------ and I am a ------ (degree) graduate??from ----- (University) in ------- (date). During my studies as a medical student (graduate student, etc), I also worked as a?researcher?on various medical fields, in particular ---------.

To date, I have managed to publish ----- scholarly articles in the field of ------- such as ------ (my previous research focus includes-----). I am currently looking for a research opportunity in the field of -------- . According to your precise?research?focuses (Considering your previous/ongoing work/publications in the field of, etc), I am very interested (more than eager, etc), to acquire a?research?position?in your team (lab, etc) and work under your supervision (under your mentorship, as a member of your team, etc).?

For your reference, I have attached a brief CV to this Email. Your kind consideration is greatly appreciated.?

Regards,

Koosha Paydary, MD MPH MSc