Getting experienceSyBBURE SearleDecember 10, 2020

How to Leave a Lab

Getting experienceSyBBURE SearleDecember 10, 2020

We’ve all been there, you’ve tried your hand at a lab, discovered the research/community/work isn’t for you, and are trying to leave cordially. Below are some general tips for leaving your lab without any hard feelings.

But first, here is a list of red flags to watch out for that can help you decide whether to leave your lab!

🚩RED FLAGS🚩

It takes a small village to get your PI to respond to your emails; getting a hold of your PI is a rare occurrence
Your superiors make demands of your time/energy that you are not able to do, and they do not accept no for an answer
Your research project is more grunt work than real work, with little chance of publication
Your coworkers and grad students are not motivated about their research
You feel like you don’t fit in with your lab community
Your research topics don’t fit your passions and are mentally draining to pursue

Below is a list of Do’s and Don’ts provided by SyBBURE students, Team SyBBURE members, and other PI’s/grad students. Remember, every research experience is different, and not all of these points may apply to you.

DO

Respectfully let your PI know that you are considering leaving

Even if you are scared of your PI, this is one of the more considerate actions you can do as an employee, and it also establishes clear communication with your superiors.

Have calm discussions with your superiors

Changing labs is a common occurrence and usually isn’t a big deal. Any good PI or grad student understands that your work may not be perfectly suited for you. Calm discussions will help them work with you to figure out what path is best for your career.

Reach out to a Team SyBBURE member for help

Team SyBBURE has helped many students with professional difficulties, and they are probably your best resource for wisdom and advice about leaving your lab.

Make the transition smooth for whomever is taking over your project

Write your actions down and take notes about how you conduct your research. Provide the protocol to whomever is taking over your project. This can help your research efforts through publication and maintaining positive relationships with your coworkers and superiors.

Be transparent about your future plans

If you are looking for another lab to join, your PI may be able to offer guidance and connections that help you find a better fit for your goals. Honesty is crucial for preserving the relationship between you and your superiors.

DON’T

Ghost your PI/lab members, stop responding to emails, etc.

Even though you want to leave your lab, it is still your responsibility to continue communicating with your PI or grad student.

Have a hostile attitude/freak out

This may not be as big of a deal to your superiors as it is to you. Hostility isolates you from other people and leads to poor discussions filled with emotion. Try to set these feelings aside when communicating with your superiors.

Hide your lab difficulties from SyBBURE

SyBBURE is meant to help you work through these kinds of problems, and Team SyBBURE can help you with professionally handling these situations.

Abruptly leave your lab with no help for people taking over your project

It is professionally discourteous to leave a lab without making plans for someone to continue your work, especially if you haven’t let anyone know your intentions to leave.

Hide the fact that you are looking for other labs

Hiding things is, in general, a bad idea. If your lab members find that you are looking to switch labs without informing anyone, bridges may be unnecessarily burned.

Simple Example Email:

“Professor X,

I've really appreciated the opportunity to work in your lab. However, due to time and financial constraints, I cannot work anymore. I would be glad to help train new volunteers or help with transitioning my position to someone over the next 2 weeks if needed. Thanks again for the opportunity!”