At the Helm Leading Your Laboratory

About this book

Since 2002, the first edition of this best-selling book has helped thousands of newly appointed principal investigators (PI) successfully transition to running their own labs. But changes in technology continue to transform the way science is done, affecting ways in which labs communicate and collaborate, organize data and supplies, and keep current on the latest developments. The culture of science has also evolved, as more scientists explore non-academic career paths, seek new ways to communicate information and ideas, and acquire skills and knowledge outside of their field.

In the second edition of this book, Kathy Barker has substantially revised the text, offering PIs advice on adapting to the changes and challenges that the years have brought. New topics include collaboration contracts, performance evaluations, communicating with non-scientists, tips for succeeding on the tenure track, and professional development. With this book as a guide, any new or aspiring PI will be well-equipped to manage personnel, time, and institutional responsibilities with confidence.

Contents

Preface
Preface to the First Edition
Acknowledgments

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
- The Lab Where Everyone Wants to Be
- Start in the Right Place
- Plan the Lab You Want
- Start Building Relationships
- Resources

YOU AS A LEADER
- I Was Trained to Do Everything But Run a Lab!
- Stop Putting Out Fires!
- Using Your Time
- Working with an Administrative Assistant
- Be Proactive in Finding a Mentor
- Resources

CHOOSE YOUR PEOPLE
- Choose Your People
- The Hiring Process
- The Effective Interview
- Evaluating Candidates
- Resources

STARTING AND KEEPING NEW LAB MEMBERS
- Getting Off to a Good Start
- Training Lab Personnel
- Mentor to All?
- Resources

MAKE RESEARCH THE FOUNDATION
- Setting the Course
- Motivation
- Writing Papers
- Resources

ORGANIZING THE LAB TO SUPPORT THE RESEARCH
- Building a Lab Culture
- Lab Policies
- Meetings and Seminars
- Resources

COMMUNICATION AS THE GLUE
- Communication with Your Lab
- The Pleasures and Perils of Diversity
- Gender Is Still an Issue
- Learning through Conflict
- Stress and Depression in Lab Members
- Resources

DEALING WITH A GROUP
- Lab Morale
- Lab Romances
- Maintaining Personnel Equilibrium
- "I Should Have Done It Sooner!"
- Violence in the Workplace
- Resources

FOR THE LONG RUN
- Career Choices
- Having It All
- Resources

Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Kathy Barker received her B.A. in Biology and English, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Microbiology, from various branches of the University of Massachusetts. She did her postdoctoral work in the laboratory of Viral Oncology at Rockefeller University and was an Assistant Professor in the Laboratory of Cell Physiology and Immunology at Rockefeller University. She is now based in Seattle, where she writes and gives workshops on various aspects of running a lab.