Looking for research position in US.

Having US research experience with documented outcomes (publications, manuscripts) gives IMGs a distinct advantage but how to look for a research position in the first place? Many IMGs send hundreds of emails to faculty in various US universities hoping to land a position. Some get lucky but others are frustrated for lack of response.
Here are a few tips to help you. Thanks to our students for their inputs specially Sushant Puri

• Do your own due diligence first- Find out if you have any college alumni who have done research in the US and try to connect with them for guidance
• If not from your school, try to find out where alumni and students from other colleges of your city or country typically go for research. You may be surprised to find that students from these colleges go to some select universities/faculty in great numbers. In India for example students from AIIMS, MAMC and other such colleges are able to find research positions relatively easily. One of the reasons is they have done their ground work and connect with their alumini/friends who are already in research in US
• Identify your area of research: You should have a good idea of the area of research that interests you, atleast at a high level. You should have done some basic literature review. The faculty is more likely to respond to a student who has a clearer idea of the area of research.
• If you know what area interests you and you are able to network with alumni, you should then start the faculty search. Make a list of faculty whose research area is aligned to what you want to do.
• Another important aspect here is to look for and prefer faculty that has grants. This information is generally available on their faculty profile page. If the faculty is funded it is likely that his/her project needs help (you!) and you may even get paid (may be not initially)
• Based on all the hard work you have done so far, you should have a list of 60-100 faculty to write to.
• Prepare your CV- but that’s not all. It is a good idea to write your ‘research SOP’- basically at a high level, what you want to accomplish with that faculty (short term) and what your medium/long term research goals in that field are. This is not easy and this need not be perfect but this is where you will stand out. If you can articulate what you want to do, how that aligns with the faculty’s research interest, it will not only impress the faculty, but will also show that you are a serious candidate. When you write to them, specifically ask for some time for a phone/skype conversation to discuss.
• When/if you are in the US for observerships, Step 2 CS, or otherwise, it is a good idea to try and meet with the faculty in the city you are in. They are busy people and may not have responded to your emails (even if you have done all of above)- but most are happy to meet with you, if you are in town. You may have to go to their office a couple of times or call them but it may be worth it.
• Hopefully with all your preparation and an interview (face-to-face or phone/skype) with the faculty, you should be able to get a research project (even if volunteer). If not, don’t give up hope, ask them if they can recommend any other faculty who may be looking for help- most of them will be happy to guide to others who may be hiring.

 
Do share your experiences! And if you have any questions, you can always write to our faculty team.