Any lab techs here?

[Siubking]

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I am working at a molecular biology lab as a lab tech in NYC (for 3 months). My main responsibility is to take care of mice and genotype them. I get a little more than $14/hr, I really hated this job and deciding if I should quit and need some HELP!

The lab that I work at is a new lab, new PI. When I first worked there, there was only one post-doc and I am the only tech in the lab (the previous tech was fired). I have to work extremely weird and long hrs, I go to work at about 10:30 AM because the post-doc usually doesn't show up until 11-12, he works til 8 or 9 and he gives me tons of work so sometimes i leave even later than him. I've had 11hr workdays for several weeks and I got home at 12AM several times because it takes me 1.5 hr to travel. Sometimes I was too occupied with work so I can't take lunch until 3, 4, or 5 o'clock. The post-doc is very non-nice, he yells at curses at me (with the "F" word), sometimes even when it is his mistakes he yells at me. When I cannot get results for "my" experiments (mostly they are his experiments and he told me to do them), he just says my results are BS and doens't try to correct my mistakes. I am very tired of being treated like that and working weird hours and I have a few questions for people who also works as a tech:

1) Is this normal for people who work in a lab?
2) Should I quit this job and start looking for other lab tech jobs? Any good place in NYC that has a lot of lab tech openings?
3) If I quit this job should I stay put this experience of my resume?
4) If I don't want to work at a research lab what other jobs (in NYC) can I try with a biochem degree? I want a more clinically based job but I don't have any clinical skills and experience, is there any clinically related jobs that gives me on-site training and where?

Please help and THANKS!!!

 

[FutureDocDO]

I am working at a molecular biology lab as a lab tech in NYC (for 3 months). My main responsibility is to take care of mice and genotype them. I get a little more than $14/hr, I really hated this job and deciding if I should quit and need some HELP!

The lab that I work at is a new lab, new PI. When I first worked there, there was only one post-doc and I am the only tech in the lab (the previous tech was fired). I have to work extremely weird and long hrs, I go to work at about 10:30 AM because the post-doc usually doesn't show up until 11-12, he works til 8 or 9 and he gives me tons of work so sometimes i leave even later than him. I've had 11hr workdays for several weeks and I got home at 12AM several times because it takes me 1.5 hr to travel. Sometimes I was too occupied with work so I can't take lunch until 3, 4, or 5 o'clock. The post-doc is very non-nice, he yells at curses at me (with the "F" word), sometimes even when it is his mistakes he yells at me. When I cannot get results for "my" experiments (mostly they are his experiments and he told me to do them), he just says my results are BS and doens't try to correct my mistakes. I am very tired of being treated like that and working weird hours and I have a few questions for people who also works as a tech:

1) Is this normal for people who work in a lab?
2) Should I quit this job and start looking for other lab tech jobs? Any good place in NYC that has a lot of lab tech openings?
3) If I quit this job should I stay put this experience of my resume?
4) If I don't want to work at a research lab what other jobs (in NYC) can I try with a biochem degree? I want a more clinically based job but I don't have any clinical skills and experience, is there any clinically related jobs that gives me on-site training and where?

Please help and THANKS!!!

I am not a lab tech but used to work in a lab processing specimens. You should stand up for yourself. You are in a great position to demand respect as you are the only tech available. They have to listen to you or risk losing you. That a-hole will listen once he realize he has to do everything himself. Better make it quick before they hire a replacement. I don't think you should quit. You need to stand up for yourself or else you'll find yourself in the same situation no matter where you go. Is it in your contract that you have to stay until you finish your project for the day? If not I would clock out when your time is up.

 

[Siubking]

My contract says 7hr/day. The post-doc always tells me how easy it is to get another tech to replace me, blah blah blah. I am very stressed and upset working there and I don't feel like going to work everyday.

 

[dr.z]

I think you should go find another lab. It shouldn't be hard to find another lab to work at. You don't need to feel bad working in a place like that.

 

[FutureDocDO]

My contract says 7hr/day. The post-doc always tells me how easy it is to get another tech to replace me, blah blah blah. I am very stressed and upset working there and I don't feel like going to work everyday.

Well in that case I'd quit in an instant. Don't even bother giving the 2-week notice since you won't get a good recommendation for your future job from them anyway. I'd pick the busiest day when you have multiple things to do. That will make his day. What a bastard!

If your contract says 7hrs/day then you should just clock out when you're suppose to. Just stop what you're doing and leave.

If he cursed you out a lot, get a small digital voice recorder so you can tape it. I'd report his a$$ as well before I leave. Don't quit without ruining his day.

 

[Siubking]

The thing is... at this time it is very hard to find a job. There was another tech that they hired but he couldn't stay there becoz they couldn't get him a visa (he's a international) and he's been looking for a lab tech position for a month and he couldn't get any (he has a master in biomedical engineering and he got a 36 on his MCAT). I really feel very sorry for him becoz my boss should know that he couldn't get this guy a visa before he gives him the job and he's not paying for the week that he worked in the lab and this guy has to pay plane ticket and rent without a job. I've look at other places in NYC and there are not that much openings and that is why I looking into other jobs besides lab tech that will look good for med school, any suggestions?

 

[FutureDocDO]

The thing is... at this time it is very hard to find a job. There was another tech that they hired but he couldn't stay there becoz they couldn't get him a visa (he's a international) and he's been looking for a lab tech position for a month and he couldn't get any (he has a master in biomedical engineering and he got a 36 on his MCAT). I really feel very sorry for him becoz my boss should know that he couldn't get this guy a visa before he gives him the job and he's not paying for the week that he worked in the lab and this guy has to pay plane ticket and rent without a job. I've look at other places in NYC and there are not that much openings and that is why I looking into other jobs besides lab tech that will look good for med school, any suggestions?

You can get certified as a CNA and work in the ER as a Clinical Partner. Basically you do what nurses tell you to do. It gives you a lot of hands-on clinical experience.

 

[medtechv79]

I work in a lab. I agree its not a job you want to do for the rest of you life. I feel like I work in a factory! If you want to look for jobs more clinically based, you can try hospitals but I think they require certification. You can also try suscribing to Advance magazines for lab professionals they havea really great job section encompassing the whole country. Did you try the state dpt. or hospitals in NY? If you want more clinical stuff I dunno if lab would totally be the right job. I mean in hospitals the most interaction you get w/patients is drawing blood and calling Drs. with results.
Check out this site:
http://laboratorian.advanceweb.com/main.aspx


Most ppl who work in labs have a type A personality and are pretty anal and detailed about what they do. Its hard to really get along with all types of ppl in the lab. Unfortunaltely you work in such close proximity to your boss no wonder he takes it out on you! If your really unhappy, you should leave. Its up to you if you wanna include it in your resume. If more than 6mos. to a year at the job I would include it. If you put your boss down as a reference the most he can say about you is confirming dates you worked there and stuff, he can't say anything bad about you....I think there's an article about suing your former employer or stuff like that if they do say bad stuff about you.

To get into med school....I'm not an expert but maybe try and get a job at a hospital, even starting at as a lab assistant, once you're in the system you can probably network, meet doctors shadow them and get exposure to hte medical field more. I know I did. You can learn to draw blood or even transfer to another unit working as a caregiver or nurse assistant.

This is too long! Good Luck!

 

[bio-chik]

You can get certified as a CNA and work in the ER as a Clinical Partner. Basically you do what nurses tell you to do. It gives you a lot of hands-on clinical experience.

Yeah, you don't need that crap from a post-doc! I worked in harsh conditions in my first lab job...but, just keep putting your resume out there and something will turn out! If you can afford it...just quit and go work in a mall if you have to till you can find a clinical job...and do medical volunteering on the side. If you're working 7 days a week anyway, you can surely get another job, you may want to look into medical assisting or CNA...you may have to take a course to do it though...but, you could get a job as a medical assistant or secretary...for the time being. Seriously, don't put up with some idiot's crap! Life is too short!

Good luck! 🙂

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Actually if you want to work in the ED (ER), you would be better advised to become an EMT rather than a CNA.

 

[xanthines]

You're being abused, plain and simple.

Talk to the PI or find another job. If you ask nicely and sound intelligent, your PI may give you a project independent of your a$$hole post-doc. Definitely start looking for another job, any job, in case you need to quit. One thing to do is look around for professors that are doing something you might like. You can look up their financial status (partly) at the NIH CRISP website. This will tell you how many NIH grants the PI has, how much they're worth, and when they expire. A PI that has more $$$ will obviously be more likely to take a random tech. Tell any new prospective PI's that you already work long hours and will do the same (if you like the work and the people, the time actually flies by). For clinical experience, just volunteer somewhere. It will be enough. I'm pretty sure most med students weren't EMT's/Nurses/CNA's etc etc.

Working long hours isn't the problem. It's the post-doc that's your problem. If working long hours IS your problem, then med school is going to be quite a shock for you. If the PI doesn't do something to alleviate the problem, get the hell outta there.

Good luck!

-X

I am working at a molecular biology lab as a lab tech in NYC (for 3 months). My main responsibility is to take care of mice and genotype them. I get a little more than $14/hr, I really hated this job and deciding if I should quit and need some HELP!

The lab that I work at is a new lab, new PI. When I first worked there, there was only one post-doc and I am the only tech in the lab (the previous tech was fired). I have to work extremely weird and long hrs, I go to work at about 10:30 AM because the post-doc usually doesn't show up until 11-12, he works til 8 or 9 and he gives me tons of work so sometimes i leave even later than him. I've had 11hr workdays for several weeks and I got home at 12AM several times because it takes me 1.5 hr to travel. Sometimes I was too occupied with work so I can't take lunch until 3, 4, or 5 o'clock. The post-doc is very non-nice, he yells at curses at me (with the "F" word), sometimes even when it is his mistakes he yells at me. When I cannot get results for "my" experiments (mostly they are his experiments and he told me to do them), he just says my results are BS and doens't try to correct my mistakes. I am very tired of being treated like that and working weird hours and I have a few questions for people who also works as a tech:

1) Is this normal for people who work in a lab?
2) Should I quit this job and start looking for other lab tech jobs? Any good place in NYC that has a lot of lab tech openings?
3) If I quit this job should I stay put this experience of my resume?
4) If I don't want to work at a research lab what other jobs (in NYC) can I try with a biochem degree? I want a more clinically based job but I don't have any clinical skills and experience, is there any clinically related jobs that gives me on-site training and where?

Please help and THANKS!!!

 

[southpaux]

Sorry to hear your experience is so bad, sounds like your post-doc is abusive and an a-hole.
I would definitely recommend leaving as soon as possible. I doubt that you would get very much out of this experience other than a migrane. And when med schools ask you about your time off, its going to be hard to be positive about this experience (your recommendation may also not be as strong as you would like it to be).
There should be alot of places in NY that you could work at. Have you looked at Sloan-Kettering? Any of the academic research institutions would be looking for technicians. Mt. Sinai, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, Einstein, etc. Send your resume directly to the PI's and express your interest in their work.
PM me if you have any more questions.

 

[FutureDocDO]

Actually if you want to work in the ED (ER), you would be better advised to become an EMT rather than a CNA.

Becoming an EMT would be great. It will look better on paper as well but it takes much longer. You can get certified as a CNA within a couple of months easily.

 

[beastmaster]

There should be alot of places in NY that you could work at. Have you looked at Sloan-Kettering? Any of the academic research institutions would be looking for technicians. Mt. Sinai, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, Einstein, etc. Send your resume directly to the PI's and express your interest in their work.

Don't forget about Rockefeller University. It's a research stalwart. I worked there last year while I applied to med school. I was very fortunate to land one of the best RA positions there (proteomics core facility). My bosses were amazing and very supportive. And the European girls are really hot.

Academic institutions often ask for 2-year committments, but many times you can talk your way out of it, or find a lab whose projects won't collapse if you vacate your position prematurely (ie, get accepted to school and leave).

It may be a tough job market out there, but it's certainly not impossible to find a $30k/year lab position. The most turnover occurs in the summer, as people leave to got to grad/med school. But now may not be too late if you mass-contact PIs directly. Just shotgun your resume all over the place.

Also, I should mention Rogosin Institute. I have a friend who works there, gene alutyping or genetic organ matching or something cool like that. He seems to be enjoying it, and his salary is close to $40k.

 

[RTQPCR]

I was a labtech for 3.5 years. I worked 12 hour days plus most weekends, no overtime. Most times I didn't eat lunch till 4pm. Th PI threated to fire me 3-4 times in the beginning when I wasn't getting results. Also in the beginning, he sometimes cursed at other people in the lab. I stayed and put up with the BS and long hours because I was promised publications and given my own projects. I ended up getting 3 coauthor and 1 first author pubs in very good journals (the grad students in the lab were jealous of me). I also stayed because I personally wanted to master many experimental techniques. I learned a hell of alot and have done some cutting edge work. I even changed the PI for the better, he is a much nicer person now, and actually cried when I left 😱 . The post-doc in my lab wasn't like yours. I don't think you're being treated fairly, you should look for another position, maybe in another state if nothing is available in your area. If you stay, there should be a reason, a motivation for you to work so hard and endure abuse, like getting publications. It seems like you got the short straw. Genotyping is a fairly straightforward technique. PM me and I can maybe give you some pointers, as I had trouble with it in the beginning as well.

 

[jbone]

I'm a licensed Medical Technologist (ASCP) and have been working in a laboratory (Children's Hospital) for the last 2 years. It has been wonderful experience and every interview I have attended this year, the adcom/interviewer has felt the same way. It is important to have a good idea about what goes on in the "backgroud" of medicine. I will breeze through the labs in medical school (at least that is why my friends have told me). I do that stuff all day at work. Keep your chin up, you are earning great experience points. Good luck.

 

[PhDtoDO]

Don't stress.

Most science people find working as a lab tech chill and occasionally exciting. Its like waiting tables, once you have the skill, you'll always have a job!

It is not OK and it is not normal for anyone to treat you like that. New PIs are just getting off the ground, they can have a really strong background or they can be sort of starting with a clean slate. I'd say you need to talk with the PI. You need to tell him that you really only want to work 9or 8 to 5 and tell him or her that the Post Doc is treating you like ****.

Grad students are more invested and are getting a lot more than 14$ an hour...they get the highest degree for a few years of slavery...and I myself chose a lab with a chill PI. Most of his students make their own hours and take a bit longer to graduate, but nobody tells me what to do and I love my project.

But your not a grad student, post docs can't tell grad students what to do anyways and this **** doesn't have a clue.

I've worked with mice and its an excellent thing to have on your resume...nobody likes working with mice, just some like myself, don't mind. That's not common and a desirable talent for lab techs.

I would think the PI would flex for you as it usually takes 2-3 months to train new people and he doesn't have the time to waste.

I've seen the whole range of bosses in the business and it could be that the post doc is not worth an once of stress. State your case with your PI...leave at 5pm everyday and start looking around for a new job before you quit.

If you're on an hourly rate and not a salary...they can't make you work after 5 unless they told you about it from the first interview.

Clinical jobs are a bit harder to find but they're out there. I'd say look for adds or call clinical operators and ask annonomously....but be warned...friends I've known who've done more 'clinical research' end up doing retrospective cohort studies looking through old patient files and old computer data banks and medline. It sounds cool to me but others might think it deathly boring. Generally no experience necessary if you're smart and willing to work hourly..i.e. cheap.

Put it on your resume..but don't give the PIs email or phone number..it they ask, be honest.

And don't stress, its just a job, not a career.

Sorry so long...too many questions.

Just my opinion.

-s

1) Is this normal for people who work in a lab?
2) Should I quit this job and start looking for other lab tech jobs? Any good place in NYC that has a lot of lab tech openings?
3) If I quit this job should I stay put this experience of my resume?
4) If I don't want to work at a research lab what other jobs (in NYC) can I try with a biochem degree? I want a more clinically based job but I don't have any clinical skills and experience, is there any clinically related jobs that gives me on-site training and where?

Please help and THANKS!!![/QUOTE]