Gaining more research experience, which is the better scenario?

[persimmony]

1. I can either continue working full time in my non-research lab while volunteering 10-15hrs a week in a molecular bio lab at the university I want to apply for a PhD (in molec bio)

2. Accept a full time research position in a cell bio lab at a hospital/research institute. The schedule won't allow me to volunteer in the molecular bio lab, and I'd be paid much about 8k less in salary compared to my current job.

Which experience would make me a better candidate when I apply next year? Does it matter much if my research isn't in the field I want to get a PhD in?

[virion]

I say ignore the non-research lab for the purpose of comparison, unless the salary difference is critical for you to get by (I figure you might not be asking if it were a deal breaker).

Between the two research job possibilities, which will you get more out of? Generally, one would think the 40+ hour a week job would better prepare you for grad school than the 15 hour job, but there will be cases where that's not true. It's hard to get much done in a 10-15 hour work week. Will they just have you washing glassware and making media? What about at option #2?

It can be helpful if you have experience in the same, or a similar field. But it's not necessary. If you mean cell bio vs. molecular bio, you will undoubtedly be using and learning molecular techniques in a cell biology lab. I wouldn't worry about any techniques you "miss out on" from option #1 setting you back in grad school. Everyone learns new techniques during rotations.

[persimmony]

I'm just concerned about my chances of getting into a molecular bio program when my experience is in cell bio (I also did a 1 semester internship in an immunology lab). Also, would 1 year and 1 semester be enough research experience? No publications.

Edited September 25, 2012 by persimmony

[mtlve]

what is a non-research lab?

I would pick the lab that will better train you to work as a scientist. The research area does not matter much I think. You want a lab that allows you to use the scientific process and has mentors that will train you to work as a scientist.

My pre-graduate school research was mostly in non-molecular labs, but I had great mentors that trained me to work as a scientist independently. I joined a cell and molecular biology program at a top school, and did fairly well in the application process. My background may have hurt me at some schools, but I did fine with it. Some faculty at my school did not appreciate my unusual background too, and it ruined my chances of going to some labs. Other PIs loved the unusual background (including some big named PIs). You just need to be aware of this when deciding. I also recommend doing a summer rotation where you go. I picked a lab with similar work to my prior molecular work in undergrad and a young PI. This allowed me to focus full-time on re-learning molecular work before classes started and I had some guidance by the lab/PI.