How to choose your next lab?

I’m in the stage of my PhD when I start thinking of looking for post-doc options, which – apart from targeting a relatively ‘new’ area of research I want to explore – also means looking more carefully into the labs of interest. How to choose a good lab? How to see the warning signs before you sign a contract for the next 12-36 months? But more generally, how to weed out bad labs from the good ones? It is a super relevant question not only if you apply for a post-doc, but even if you start a PhD or just want to go somewhere to do an internship.

Some time ago I came across a surprisingly good webinar delivered by Joanne Kamens, where she gives a bunch of very useful advice on choosing the next lab. Those include: what things to think of when choosing the next lab, what kind of questions are worth asking during the interview? and what are the warning signs you can spot even when briefly visiting the group? For those who have spare 35 minutes (after listening to presenter’s sexy Scottish accent, you ‘move’ presentation to the 5th minute :P, then the questions start after the 40th minute) I heavily encourage to listen to this audition carefully. For those who are too busy for that (come on! really?) I summarize the most interesting – in my opinion – points here:

Things to think about

– what’s the size of the lab? both, small and big labs have their advantages and disadvantages that you have to think through. But above all, do you have any strong preferences here? Where would you feel and thrive best?

– what’s the lab culture? Meaning: is the lab collaborative or rather competitive? Joanna shows very explicitly what are the signs indicating either of these.

– who is going to be your real boss? PI? another post-doc? Do you care? ;)

– what skills can you learn and from whom? That applies not only to practical skills related to lab/programming/statistics, but also to organizational skills, grant writing, getting involved in departmental work, etc.

– what can you learn from present/former grad-students/post-docs about this lab? Are/were they happy with this place? Is the atmosphere/lab culture good? Do/did they have time for life outside the lab? Do/did they get enough support or networks?

– Does PI/advisor have industry connections? It doesn’t seem to be relevant for everyone, but believe me, not all of us will stay in academia, so it’s better to keep your options open :)

Advice for now and for the future

– build your skills

– develop your networks

– watch out for warning signs (Joanne gives a bunch of those, but I really like this one: it’s not good if you start your work by helping someone else with their project rather than starting your own! So true :) )

– Look out for good signs – especially while talking to other group members, going through publication records, group development, etc.

– Think through things you want to ask during the interview: Can you get more money, like conference funds or teaching stipend? What would be your employment status? What benefits are you eligible for? Important note: interviews are as much about you ‘selling yourself’ to the lab as about the lab ‘selling itself’ to you!

Anyway, it all helped me tremendously and hope it will help you as well! And if you have any comments or more advice off top of your head – bring it on!