Applying for a research position and PhD at the same program

[Golden Monkey]

Wondering if anyone has been in this position before: I just finished my PhD applications and have no idea if I'll get into any of the four programs I've applied to. Today I got an email via the alumni list from my master's program about a research opening at one of the four programs I've applied to. It's in a different group, but it's the same program. I'm very interested (and pretty well suited, I think,) for the research opening. I'm hesitant to apply for it, though, because I'm also applying for admission into their PhD program.

Is this a bad idea? I don't know if they'll look at both of my applications and think, "this guy can't make up his mind! We're not going to consider him for either one!"

[LJK]

Does the position conflict with the program? Is the position for the spring semester and the PhD program starts in the Fall? Or is the position more long term? Or starts in the Fall also? If there is a conflict, would the RA position be your last choice? Or would you possibly choose it over one of the PhD programs you are applying to? (Pay off debt, better shot at the other programs in the future, etc.) I think you need to think about these factors. If the RA position might be a better option for you than one of the programs you are applying to, I would definitely apply. The timeline of the hiring also matters. Would you hear back from them before the schools? Would you be willing to commit to the RA position without knowing about the PhD application results?

[Golden Monkey]

Does the position conflict with the program? Is the position for the spring semester and the PhD program starts in the Fall? Or is the position more long term? Or starts in the Fall also? If there is a conflict, would the RA position be your last choice? Or would you possibly choose it over one of the PhD programs you are applying to? (Pay off debt, better shot at the other programs in the future, etc.) I think you need to think about these factors. If the RA position might be a better option for you than one of the programs you are applying to, I would definitely apply. The timeline of the hiring also matters. Would you hear back from them before the schools? Would you be willing to commit to the RA position without knowing about the PhD application results?

I don't think the position conflicts with the program, but it's in a different group. It actually doesn't say when it starts or how long it lasts, so I suppose I should ask them. If I had a choice, I'd rather pursue the PhD than the RA, but I just applied to the PhD program a couple of weeks ago. As it's a very, very competitive program, my odds of getting in are probably pretty low.

I guess I really need to contact them and ask about the timeline for the RA position, as they didn't say anything about that. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Also, I'm guessing it's okay to ask the contact person about my situation of applying to the program at the same time and ask whether or not it seems like a good idea.

[adaptations]

I don't think it would hurt to apply to both. If for any reason the admissions committee saw or knew of your research application, I am sure that they would understand that you are shooting for the PhD, but if you don't get it you would like to get more research experience. It makes perfect sense to me, and I think it is a smart option to plan for the scenario of not getting into a program (hopefully you won't need it, but at least you might have a backup option already lined up).

[Golden Monkey]

I ended up emailing the prof and asking if it's a conflict in any way. I also asked my dad what he thought, as he has a PhD in Physics. He seemed to think it was no big deal to apply to both and added "anyone who would hold this against you would be a jerk anyway."

Well, that was Dad's opinion.