Building Your Lab 1.1 2008/02/18 13:09:38.464 US/Central 2008/02/18 13:16:35.436 US/Central Rice ADVANCE advance1@rice.edu Rice ADVANCE advance1@rice.edu Naveen Yadav naveen.yadav@rice.edu Equipment Lab Personnel Research This is a conversion of a presentation given at the Negotiating the Ideal Faculty Position Workshop given on October 14-16, 2007.

Building Your Lab Space Equipment Personnel

Physical Space Moving into existing space Lab remodels New building space

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

Build or Remodel Start early Do the research Set a bottom line Be actively involved in the process

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

Do the Research (I) Visit state-of-the-art labs Site visitMeet your project managerLocation: 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

Do the Research (II) Collect information on equipmentpower requirementheat generationwaste generationOther needs for equipment: gases, water, etc. Leave space for future expansionPredict future equipment needs

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

Be Actively Involved WhyYou know your needs the best.Good communication avoids mistakes. WhatProject schedule and progressSpecific information on equipment Special needs HowFollow the progressCommunicate with the contractors

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

Populating your lab Technical Staff Graduate students vs. postdocsHow available are students?How difficult is it to recruit postdocs?Are technicians the best use of limited resources?What Dept/University funding mechanism are available for students or postdocs?

Lab Personnel Personnel management Establishing a “lab culture” is very important Be proactive in addressing potential personnel conflictsNo one wants to work in a caustic or poisonous lab environment Lead by example