Managing a university lab is no easy task. There are a number of aspects of running a university lab that have nothing to do with research, chemistry or science at all. A lot of it comes down to managing people, planning for supplies and developing the scope of the project. For people who specialize in working with chemical compounds and poring over research notes, these non-science aspects of a lab may be particularly difficult. Here are some pieces of advice that can help any university lab manager refine their position and keep the research pointed in the right direction. <\/p>\n
1. Keep everything and everyone organized<\/b>
\nWhether it is chemical compounds, lab equipment or paperwork, it is critical that a lab is completely organized in order to function properly. Although time is at a premium in a lab setting, taking a little bit longer to put every pair of goggles, graduated glassware and chemical away in a locked, labeled and organized way can be invaluable for the next day's research. It is especially handy during an emergency or safety hazard, when you need to know exactly where the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is for example.<\/p>\n
In addition to organizing material items, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's Today publication recommended that lab managers keep their time and personnel organized as well. Regular meetings – with the group, individually, formally and informally – can help create a more focused work environment where everyone is efficiently using their time toward the common goal. <\/p>\n
2. Take time to choose the perfect team <\/strong> Technicians carry the benefit of limited responsibilities outside of the lab, while post-doctorate researchers can really boost productivity. Often graduate or undergraduate students can be funded outside of the budget through grants. <\/p>\n Managers should take time interviewing and searching for the members of their team. It is important to compile a group that a manager can enjoy working with and trust that they can be productive in his or her absence. Balancing personality traits, experience and budget are some of the most difficult parts of managing personnel in a lab. <\/p>\n
\nNo matter how clear a manager's goal or vision is, he or she cannot execute it alone. There needs to be a solid team that can work together and independently on the research under the manager. Full or part-time laboratory technicians, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate or undergraduate students are the usual team used for a lab, the American Physiological Society explained.<\/p>\n