Hi, I'm hoping for some advice. I've just finished an MPhil and was hoping to secure a PhD position for the autumn but it hasn't happened, and so my best chance now seems to be to wait until next year and try again. I obviously need to do something with the year to improve my CV but not sure how to get decent/ relevant research experience. Ideally, I'd like some pay but would obviously do my best to fit something in if unpaid but useful!
I'd like to do something in molecular ecology/ conservation genetics or similar, so would like to get some sort of research/ practical experience in this area (eDNA, metabarcoding- that sort of thing) I just don't know where to look/ how to find something (other than paying a fortune to go abroad and do a project, which isn't an option)
I feel maybe I need to be more proactive and 'get myself out there' but I am heavily self critical, unsure of what's acceptable/expected/ frowned upon, and worry that I'll annoy people or put them out.
Should I email potential supervisors, explaining my situation, and ask if they have anything to become involved with over the coming months, or would that be odd?
Also, I have a potential supervisor and project but we failed to get funding this year; would it be odd to ask her if there is anything to get involved with at her lab to improve and try again next year (might there be funding available for an internship or similar)?
I feel quite naive about the whole thing, and worry about looking stupid by asking for the impossible. Any tips greatly appreciated. Thanks!