Workshop Authors: James McNew (BCB), Qilin Li (CEVE), Corey Wilson (CalTech), Shelly Harvey (Math)

Slide 1: Building Your Lab Space Equipment Personnel

Slide 2: Physical Space Moving into existing space Lab remodels New building space

Slide 3: Existing space Is the space adequate for your needs? Proximity to colleagues Access to Dept/University equipment Proper Air/Vacuum/Water for equipment Hoods (chemical and tissue culture) Air handling and vibration Does it have desk space for students and postdocs? Is office space separate?

Slide 4: Build or Remodel Is the space adequate for your needs? Start early Do the research Set a bottom line Be actively involved in the process

Slide 5: Start Early It usually takes 6-12 months to build or remodel a lab Specify a desired date of completion during the negotiation Contact equipment vendors (for specs) Consider options for teaching or grant writing efforts until the space is complete Identify temporary space for lab work

Slide 6: Do the Research Visit state-of-the-art labs Site visit Meet your project manager Location: avoid location-specific problems that affect your research, e.g., vibration, freight elevator availability, etc. Infrastructure: air conditioning, ventilation, DI water system, gas lines, etc. Ask people who know the lab Collect information on equipment power requirement heat generation waste generation Other needs for equipment: gases, water, etc. Leave space for future expansion Predict future equipment needs

Slide 7: Set a Bottom Line Make a list of “must” and “must not” and be firm Do not expect future improvement Take into consideration future research needs Consider options for teaching or grant writing efforts until the space is complete Identify temporary space for lab work

Slide 8: Be Actively Involved Why You know your needs the best. Good communication avoids mistakes. What Project schedule and progress Specific information on equipment Special needs How Follow the progress Communicate with the contractors

Slide 9: Equipment and Supplies Equipment purchase Be aware of available discount, e.g., “New lab set up” programs at large vendors like Fisher and VWR Negotiate with many vendors Usually 1-3 months of lead time for major equipment Supplies Package as much as you can with each major vendor Negotiate with many vendors Consider larger quantities of items you know you will need This is the biggest discount you will ever get on things you buy Consider storage of large quantities

Slide 10: Populating your lab Technical Staff Graduate students vs. postdocs How available are students? How difficult is it to recruit post-docs? Are technicians the best use of limited resources? What Dept/University funding mechanisms are available for students or post-docs?

Slide 11: Lab Personnel Personnel Management Establishing a “lab culture” is very important Be proactive in addressing potential personnel conflicts No one wants to work in a caustic or poisonous lab environment Lead by example