My responsibility

My responsibility is to train lab members.  This means that lab members learn to carry out careful experiments, to interpret results, and to plan subsequent experiments.  They learn to critically read papers and to utilize new techniques for their projects.  I encourage members to regularly present their data at scientific meetings and I facilitate networking opportunities.  I encourage all lab members considering research careers to apply for funding.  I dispense practical advice for success, such as understanding politics, management and leadership.  My goal is to see lab members improve, grow, and succeed.

 

To use an analogy, my role is similar to that of the tomato cage. Lab members are given sufficient room to grow and blossom. They are allowed to venture out and explore. But the cage is there to provide support. It is my job to make sure that the nascent vines find their way back to the support of the cage and that although they may meander, they are heading in the right direction. The successful growth of the vines, flowers, and tomatoes are the result of many external factors – sunlight, water, soil, nutrients, etc. Many of the tomato plants will not take seed or be productive. Although I do my best to provide the supportive environment required for success, much of the final outcome is a product of the traits of the trainee.

 

Management Style

Although management of the lab is important, I am not a big fan of micromanagement. Once trained, I trust lab members to use their time wisely, as they fully understand what they need to accomplish.  Motivated, responsible, and productive lab members do not require daily oversight. However, I am available to answer any questions that may arise.  I typically meet with lab members weekly to review results and to discuss their plans for the coming week. As members become more senior and experienced, the meeting frequency may diminish. 

 

It is important that trainees receive constructive feedback. As such, I provide each lab member with a written annual evaluation. This enables the trainee to improve potential areas of weakness, as well as recognizing strengths. This process also facilitates a dialogue about perceptions and serves as a forum for the lab member to discuss management preferences and to recommend changes that may improve job performance and enhance their experience. It is well understood that a ‘one style fits all’ approach is not realistic. As such, these interactions allow me to tailor mentoring approaches to best suit the needs of each trainee. This platform also serves as a tool to discuss career options and to develop an individual development plan - myidp.sciencecareers.org - that best suits the strengths and interests of the trainee.

 

Project Selection

As described in the Research section, there are several interesting projects ongoing in my lab. These projects are often multi-faceted, with several directions possible for pursuit. Whenever possible, trainee interests will be matched with research projects. Lab members develop a combination of safe projects likely to generate solid papers, as well as riskier projects with a potentially higher payoff. I encourage more senior postdocs to develop new aspects of their projects, as their future success depends upon research continuity. 

 

Project Ownership

I encourage all lab members to acquire ownership of their projects.  This encompasses everything from making detailed entries in lab notebooks, reading relevant papers, designing insightful experiments, taking initiative in problem solving, and adopting new techniques and technologies. While spoon-feeding fosters dependency, project ownership fosters empowerment, intellectual growth, curiosity, motivation, and pride. As projects progress, the lab member is expected to create outlines and respective timelines for expected papers. Lab members are responsible for generating all data and figures for their papers, as well as writing early drafts of their manuscripts.

 

Lab Structure and Dynamics

Although meetings are important, the focus is on leaving protected time for research. I communicate with all lab members on a regular basis, at least weekly. Lab members are encouraged to upload data to Labguru, an online data management service. This allows me to keep up with new findings and enables lab members to be more productive and uninterrupted at the bench. We have bi-monthly meetings that alternate between a lab meeting format and journal club format. I strive to maintain a cohesive group. This means the recruitment of well-adjusted individuals who are team players. All lab members weigh in on the recruitment of new trainees. Everyone works together towards common goals and, whenever possible, lab members are engaged in decision making. There is no internal competition or secrecy. Lab members are respected and appreciated for their hard work. Overall, the environment is scientifically serious but simultaneously social and jovial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Decision making. There is a fair amount of transparency to decision making. Trainees will learn how to weigh outcomes and make best decisions.                                                                                  

• Networking. Through a combination of attendance at meetings and interaction with labs with desired expertise, trainees will learn to network with other investigators and colleagues.                                

• Well-rounded expertise. In general, each project encompasses a sizable, and complex question that requires a broad array of techniques.                                                                                         

• Communication. Each trainee will have ample opportunity to present findings, whether to the lab or to a larger audience. Trainees will learn to communicate in a concise, clear manner and to simplify complex concepts with visual depictions.                                                                                    

• Project leadership and problem solving. Trainees will be adept at managing many facets of their projects and in finding solutions when challenges are encountered.                                                  

• Grantsmanship. Trainees are expected to apply for external funding. This process is invaluable for the trainee and creates a document that outlines expectations for completion of the project. External funding secures a trainee’s position for the duration of the project. Moreover, successful procurement of a fellowship provides a competitive edge in a tough job market.                                                 

• Scientific writing. Trainees will have multiple opportunities to improve their writing skills, such as when preparing manuscripts for publication.                                                                                        

• Mentorship. It is expected that more senior members of the lab will take an active role in training newer trainees. This is a valuable experience for the experienced lab member and enables one to experience the mentor-mentee relationship from the other perspective.