Being a Good Lab Citizen

Working in a cognitive neuroscience/neuropsychology lab can be very rewarding but also mystifying and frustrating. The experience is not for everyone. Here are some pointers for understanding (and thriving in) a research lab like ours:

  1. Labs are typically funded by research grants. The person who leads a grant-funded project is known as a Principal Investigator (or PI for short). Some lab directors are also referred to as PIs.

  2. Labs are like small businesses (e.g., family restaurants) that operate on a narrow profit margin. Everyone plays a crucial role in a restaurant — from head chef to dishwasher. The success of a restaurant depends on everyone working together. Labs are no different.

  3. Labs tend to operate on more of a conventional business schedule (9-5) relative to other university systems (e.g., class schedules). You will typically have an assigned ‘shift’ in the lab just like you would in a restaurant. Make every effort to be on time and stay for the duration of your shift.

  4. Reliability is crucial for team science. Do what you say you are going to do.

  5. Figure things out for yourself as much as possible. Many technical questions you will encounter have answers out there somewhere (e.g., StackOverflow, SR Support Forum). Senior lab members are always willing to help, but google-able issues (e.g., how to install a program) can end up distracting other people.

  6. Ask to get involved with projects you are particularly interested in, and discuss your goals with senior members of the lab. Most of us are busy and self-absorbed. It’s important to be clear about what you want out of the lab experience and how we can help.