I applied directly with the PI (Principal Investigator) and was called in for an interview about a week later. Trying to apply through HR is a complete waste of time. I met with the PI only, and the interview revolved around my undergraduate coursework and prior research experience. I brought a copy of the paper where some of the research I contributed to had been published. But the PI wanted a minimum two year commitment to the position. There was also the expectation that I share his level of interest in the research, meaning working nights and weekends. And since Research Technician positions are grant funded, the low salary being offered was all I would be paid. With all the expected overtime, it would basically work out to minimum wage. And since Research Technician positions are grant funded, the PI couldn't guarantee me job security even if I wanted to stay two years. If his future grant proposals were rejected by NIH, NSF, etc., there would be no money. There were no promotions or decent salary increases in the pipeline either. It was basically a terminal position with small cost of living increases at the most. I received an email from the PI about a month later letting me know the position had been filled. But I knew from the interview that it wasn't going to work out. The job description doesn't exactly advertise it, but it basically only works if you intend to go to medical school in a few years. And you need to come from a rich family, because the non-negotiable salary isn't enough to live on in New York City.