Can I work with multiple PIs?

[davidxavi]

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I currently conduct a retrospective chart review with a PI, but I would like to start a second project. My current PI does not have the time to do a second project. Would it be acceptable to conduct research with a different PI in addition to my current work? Would this be considered rude to my current PI? Thanks

 

[itisallrelative]

I currently conduct a retrospective chart review with a PI, but I would like to start a second project. My current PI does not have the time to do a second project. Would it be acceptable to conduct research with a different PI in addition to my current work? Would this be considered rude to my current PI? Thanks

If he's not a weirdo, no, but, I'd ask, just to be sure. "Hey Dr. ..., would you be O.K. with me working with Dr. ... on this just as cool, (but maybe not as cool as your project), as well?" "Oh, you're fine w/ that?" "Great!" **Reasoning is if you're doing a project w/ say Head & Neck imaging, and you're invited to an interview and end up interviewing with someone doing any other kind of imaging, and you don't have any research to bring up in their field, then that's one less thing to talk about, and, it might make the person think, "Man, this guy is just interested in Head & Neck imaging, and nothing else..."

 

[Osteoth]

I currently conduct a retrospective chart review with a PI, but I would like to start a second project. My current PI does not have the time to do a second project. Would it be acceptable to conduct research with a different PI in addition to my current work? Would this be considered rude to my current PI? Thanks

I wouldn't ask. As long as you're maintaining your responsibilities to them why would it be a bad thing for you to work with multiple people? I would honestly think it would be unprofessional for them to say no...

 

[mcloaf]

I wouldn't ask. As long as you're maintaining your responsibilities to them why would it be a bad thing for you to work with multiple people? I would honestly think it would be unprofessional for them to say no...

I would ask, there's no reason not to and if you don't it could only potentially hurt you. If you've pledged your time to work on a project with a particular PI, it could be viewed by some as discourteous to start another project without giving them a heads up. Most PIs won't care (and they shouldn't assuming OP has the time to do both projects), but if they do have any concerns about it it'll be better for OP to find that out ahead of time and smooth things out. I've known people whose PIs didn't want them taking on additional projects.

 

[Osteoth]

I would ask, there's no reason not to and if you don't it could only potentially hurt you. If you've pledged your time to work on a project with a particular PI, it could be viewed by some as discourteous to start another project without giving them a heads up. Most PIs won't care (and they shouldn't assuming OP has the time to do both projects), but if they do have any concerns about it it'll be better for OP to find that out ahead of time and smooth things out. I've known people whose PIs didn't want them taking on additional projects.

Why not?

 

[mcloaf]

Why not?

You'd have to ask them. I agree that in most cases it's dumb (assuming OP isn't way behind on their existing work), but those people do exist.

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[DerpStore]

I currently conduct a retrospective chart review with a PI, but I would like to start a second project. My current PI does not have the time to do a second project. Would it be acceptable to conduct research with a different PI in addition to my current work? Would this be considered rude to my current PI? Thanks

I wouldn't ask. Why is it anyone's business who you're working with as long as you're efficient and not neglecting your original responsibilities? If it was in a wet lab sure, but you definitely don't need to ask anybody's permission to do more chart reviews, we're all adults here presumably.

 

[Osteoth]

You'd have to ask them. I agree that in most cases it's dumb (assuming OP isn't way behind on their existing work), but those people do exist.

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I feel like in this situation the PI is asking you to actively work against your own interests, which is wrong of them. In that situation I don't see any benefit, to you or to the PI, by going down that dark and dangerous path.

I wouldn't ask. Why is it anyone's business who you're working with as long as you're efficient and not neglecting your original responsibilities? If it was in a wet lab sure, but you definitely don't need to ask anybody's permission to do more chart reviews, we're all adults here presumably.

Agreed.

 

[mcloaf]

I feel like in this situation the PI is asking you to actively work against your own interests, which is wrong of them. In that situation I don't see any benefit, to you or to the PI, by going down that dark and dangerous path.



Agreed.

I mean there's no downside to mentioning it to your PI and while they probably won't care they might appreciate the sentiment. You do you, I was just pointing out that there are potential negatives to not letting them know.

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[Osteoth]

I mean there's no downside to mentioning it to your PI and while they probably won't care they might appreciate the sentiment. You do you, I was just pointing out that there are potential negatives to not letting them know.

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Of course there's a downside, they could say no. Then you're in the unenviable position of either having to compromise either your existing relationship or your possible future relationships.

 

[Vyzzle]

I decided to work with two PIs at the same institution and it sort of created a little drama behind the scenes, a tug-of-war of sorts between the two, but at the end of the day none of them looked at me unfavorably.

Unbeknownst to me these two had a history of bumping heads so was probably a situation specific to my case.

These two mentors did provide a helpful balance for me, though. One is very productive and quite well-known in his field, the other is a very clever individual who has taught me a lot.

 

[pbrocks15]

I work with two PIs and neither of them mind because my time for each project is the same whether I was involved in the other or not. If you show them that you are willing to work then they both shouldn't mind, but if your other project will take time away from the one you are doing now then perhaps that can cause some issues.