• Where should I start if I am interested in getting a research position?
  • Start with what you know. Have you taken a course that was really interesting? What are you curious about? Curiosity is what drives research and a little bit of reflection might help identify an area of research that you are interested in. Visiting the Undergraduate Research Center is also a great first step. Attend one of our URC Discovery Cafe workshops and  On our website you can also find examples of undergraduate Research Rockstar videos and searchable PDF files of our annual conference abstract books. Searching our abstract book can help you identify faculty members who might have similar research interests as you. This are just a few steps you can take to get started, still have questions? email us at urc@ucdavis.edu.
  • How can I learn about different research opportunities on campus?
  • There are several ways to get information about research positions: join the URC and/or your department’s listserv, follow the URC (@ucd_urc) and other centers/departments on Instagram and Facebook, join a student organization focused on research in your major and/or interest areas, talk to friends who you know are involved in research, and talk to your TAs and/or faculty members are just a few ways you can begin to learn about the different research opportunities and available positions on campus.
  • What is the difference between a resume and CV?
  • A resume emphasizes skills, is generally used when applying for a position in industry, non-profit, and public sector, and is typically no longer than 2 pages (with an additional page for publications and/or poster presentations if highly relevant to the job). A CV (or curriculum vitae) emphasizes academic accomplishments, is typically used when applying for positions in academia, fellowships and grants, and the length depends upon experience and includes a complete list of publications, posters, and presentations. Visit the Internship and Career Center for more help on getting your resume and/or CV reviewed by an expert.
  • If a position asks me to submit a resume or a CV, which should I submit?
  • If a position asks you to submit either a resume or CV, submit the one you have... just be sure to tailor it for the position you are applying for. When in doubt the best thing to do is to ask for clarification from the faculty member. If you do not have a resume or CV, contact the Internship and Career Center and set up an appointment to get started on your resume or CV.
  • Do I already need to have research experience?
  • There is no requirement to have prior research experience for most undergraduate research positions or programs at UC Davis. If there are any prerequisites for the position, they will generally be listed on the position announcement. When in doubt, the best thing to do is to ask for clarification from the faculty member. Many faculty have specialized research areas, methods and/or instrumentation that is different from what you learn in classes so you will also receive training in the research group or lab.  You can also emphasize other experience you have from classes, projects, tutoring, jobs, etc. Showcase your curiosity and motivation!
  • Is there a database or website that I can use to search for undergraduate research positions?
  • At this time UC Davis does not have one comprehensive website or database that lists open research positions and many faculty do not post positions as it depends on various factors. Here are the steps you can take to find a research position that is right for you: (1) visit urc.ucdavis.edu and check out our searchable PDF abstract books from the annual undergraduate research conference as this is a great way to see examples of undergraduate research taking place on campus and which faculty have supported undergraduate students in their labs and on their research projects, (2) search the department websites and lab websites of faculty/labs you are interested in joining, (3) think about the courses that have made a good impression on you and think about contacting those faculty members for possible research opportunities, (4) talk to your friends who you know are doing research and ask them how they got started and (5) search through Handshake as some research positions are listed in the portal.