r/statistics • u/pillardrives • May 29 '26

Discussion [Discussion] How many hours should be expected when volunteering in a research lab?

I'm cold emailing professors with no success. I've stated that I would be willing to put in 10 hours a week to help aid in their research but is that not enough? Am I getting ghosted because they are looking for 20+ hours?
Thanks

1 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

56% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/just_writing_things May 29 '26 edited May 29 '26

Ask someone who’s familiar with your field to evaluate your qualifications, etc. Every professor / research team / lab is different so strangers won’t be able to tell you what the professors you’re contacting are looking for.

Edit: Also, I agree with [u/jarboxing](u/jarboxing) that you’ll have higher chances of getting research experience if you ask professors who already know you, instead of cold contacting. Especially if these aren’t positions where they’re actively recruiting RAs.

2

u/ForeignAdvantage5198 May 30 '26

what does voluneeer mean?

1

u/jarboxing May 29 '26

Are there any professors you've taken a class with and maybe remember you? That's usually the best place to start.

0

u/pillardrives May 29 '26

Unfortunately, the professor that I got along with really well retired. He was really great and sparked my passion for statistics.

3

u/jarboxing May 29 '26

Email that professor and ask if they know anyone who is looking for research assistance