Thriving in a new lab
Getting Research Experience- What to Expect in a Lab
Tips for surviving and ~thriving~ in a new environment
Who are these people?
· PI (Principal Investigator)
o The head honcho of the lab. The lab namesake.
o Degree Required: Doctorate (PhD, MD/PhD, or MD)
o Responsible for procuring funding, making big decisions, guiding research topics
· Research Assistant Professor
o Non-Tenure track position
o Degree Required: Doctorate(PhD, MD/PhD)
o Usually works on a specific funded project
· Lab Manager
o Point person for the PI
o Degree Required: None (but typically BA/BS and lab experience)
o Responsible for lab organizational tasks. May help with scheduling meetings, ordering supplies, managing paperwork/hiring, etc.
· Postdoctoral Associate (Postdoc)
o PI in training
o Degree Required: Doctorate (PhD or MD/PhD)
o Highly independent projects, may mentor graduate/undergraduate students
· Graduate Students
o Degree Required: Bachelors (BA or BS)
o Working to complete thesis project and grow as a scientist
· Research Assistants/Technicians
o Degree Required: None (but usually BA/BS)
o Working to gain lab experience, usually considering grad/med school
What should I wear?
Most labs have a casual dress code. As long as you are complying with any biosafety requirements (ex: long pants, closed toe shoes), you should be good to go. Jeans and a casual shirt with closed toe shoes are a safe bet for your first day. If you interact with patients/study participants regularly though, you may be asked to dress more professionally. After a few days in lab you should be able to figure out what other people in the lab wear and adjust accordingly!
Who should I ask for help?
Your point person will differ depending on the size/dynamics of the lab. This person may be a senior undergrad, a RA, a grad student, a post doc, or even the PI. Once you join a lab, it should become clear pretty quickly who this point person is because they will be the one showing you around and training you.
When should I ask for permission?
Even though you may come into a lab without any experience, you should still be treated as an independent adult. There is no need to ask permission to use the bathroom, eat lunch, take a call, etc. The exception to this is if you are in the middle of a very time sensitive protocol or task. Then, you might want to ask your point person if it is okay to take a break at this step in the process. Otherwise, do what you need to do! As long as you are getting your work done, no one should care what you are up to.
Here are some things that are important to check in with your supervisor about:
1. You need to use a machine you are unfamiliar with
Lab equipment is expensive, so it is very important that you treat it with care. Have someone show you how to use things/watch you use them until you are confident. You also don’t want to accidentally mess up your experiment by using the equipment wrong!
2. You are unsure about the step in a protocol
It is always better to ask and do something right than to guess and do something wrong. Seek clarification if you are confused! This will lead to better experiment outcomes and will help you gain the trust of other members of the lab.
3. You want to take some time off
It is considerate to give your lab adequate notice if you will be absent for any reason. If you are going on a planned vacation, let them know as soon as possible so that they can plan experiments accordingly! If you have a last-minute issue that will make you miss lab, notify the people that will be impacted by your absence as soon as you can. Clear communication is key to success and relationships in a lab!
What is expected of me?
Lab expectations will vary (and should be expressed to you when you join a lab). However, there are some general expectations to adhere to that will help your lab experience be a success.
1. Come with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Above all, convey excitement about the area of research your lab is in and be open-minded to try different projects/approaches. You never know what might excite you or lead to an independent project!
2. Communicate effectively. Let someone know if you are going to be late or miss lab so that they can plan accordingly. Give your supervisor advanced notice if there is something you need from them by a certain deadline (ex: rec letter, edits on a research report). Respond to emails in a timely manner and be honest about your capacity for research given your other commitments.
3. Invest time into learning about the lab’s research. The first few weeks in the lab will probably be overwhelming. You will spend a lot of time learning protocols and you might feel in over your head or confused with the research topic. This is okay! You will learn as you go, and no one expects you to know everything right away! However, take time to read papers/watch videos about topics that are central to your lab’s research. This will help you stand out and have the knowledge needed to succeed.
