Cornell University

Research Roles

Research Roles as an Undergraduate

Students may fulfill a variety of roles in a research setting, and it's often helpful to talk to your peers and advisors to determine what type of work is a good fit. Entry-level positions generally require fewer hours than independent projects but may entail an expected commitment that extends into future semesters or the summer. 

 

Who's Part of a Research Group?

Principal Investigator (PI)

The PI is the head of the research group or lab and serves as a research advisor to any undergraduate student(s) participating in research. Ultimately, the PI is responsible for all aspects of the research group, including training and supervision of all research staff members.

Faculty Member

The PI is a faculty member. When a faculty member first comes to Cornell, they are an assistant professor, defining their research and building their research group. In five or six years, they'll go through the tenure process, where their research and teaching will be evaluated. A professor granted tenure becomes an associate professor. A full professor is a tenured professor who's been promoted to the most senior rank. Some retired professors continue to do research with undergraduates and are called emeritus professors.

Technician

Some groups have a technician or project manager who is responsible for keeping the research going. They may be in charge of ordering materials, hiring undergraduates, supervising other researchers, maintaining equipment, and doing their own projects.

Graduate Students

Graduate students have completed their undergraduate degree and are now working on a doctorate (PhD) or a masters degree (MS, MA, or MEng). They may be close in age and experience to the undergraduates in a research group. They'll spend the majority of their time doing research and can be great teachers and advocates for undergraduates doing research in their field.

Post-docs

Post-docs have finished their doctorates and are getting more research experience before becoming a professor. They often have their own project related to the expertise of the research group or lab and are very knowledgeable about techniques and the research field. They may be looking for jobs and are often interested in mentoring undergraduates to gain experience.

Other Undergraduates

Other undergraduate students in a research group will be at various levels; some may be working on their senior thesis or a publication. More experienced students are a great resource to ask questions of and can often help troubleshoot problems.

Roles Undergrads Typically Fill

Some students are paid by faculty researchers to work in their labs but not to do research. For instance, they may make solutions and wash dishes or do general computer work, like cataloguing publications related to a professor's research project. These roles can be a good way to earn money and get your foot in the door. After you finish washing the dishes, start asking people in the lab or office what they work on. Check the research opportunities listed through Career Services.

Some students will be hired as assistants to help faculty, graduate students, postdocs, and technicians do work. These students often learn one lab technique (PCR, DNA mini-preps, etc.), statistical, or other research technique and do that over and over. Again, these positions are a good opportunity to earn money and learn new skills. 

This is a good way to learn what interests you or get involved. Be sure to make a firm commitment and follow through—show up when you say you will!—or you might be looking for a position again soon. Research is serious at Cornell; you need to be responsible or risk losing your opportunity.

Most students are interested in working on their own project. Some faculty will pay students to do their own project, but many students instead pursue academic credit for doing research on a specific project. Contact your college or school undergraduate research advisor for more information about course credit in your area of study.

Duration of Positions & Time Commitment

Projects and positions vary in the necessary time commitment. Undergraduate research is a mutual arrangement between a student and their sponsoring faculty advisor; one research experience is rarely like another.

When you begin talking to potential research advisors, know the level of commitment you're willing to make to research. It will likely require fewer hours a week in the beginning, but the required time may increase as the project continues. Plan on 6-10 hours a week in the beginning. If you need training or supervision for your research, you'll need to schedule time with the person training you during the normal workday. 

Some faculty will ask for a commitment of several semesters and/or a summer. Be honest with yourself and the research group about the commitment you're able to make to them.

How to Learn More

Students work in the Autodesk Design and Make space in Upson Hall

Find a Research Advisor

It's important to find an advisor you're comfortable with. Some students work well with constant direction, and others work with almost none. Network and talk to several people about your interests. Generally, professors you’ve taken a class with are a great place to start. You may consider asking professors to introduce you to researchers in their department, and graduate teaching assistants can also provide information about faculty who are great mentors for undergraduates.

Policy Analysis and Management students meet with their faculty advisors at Martha Van Rensselaer Hall.

Talk to Cornellians

Advice about research projects can come from a variety of sources. Talk to your fellow Cornellians, including:

  • Your academic advisor
  • Your student advisor
  • Cornell Undergraduate Research Advisors
  • Upper-level students you meet through academics or campus activities
  • Graduate Teaching Assistants or Graduate Residence Fellows
  • Cornell Undergraduate Research Board (CURB) Peer-Mentors