Deciding between two research labs

[fallinflower]

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hello all! i'm a current junior in undergrad looking to join a new lab after my previous PI moved to another city. currently stuck deciding between two labs:


Lab 1:

• similar research focus/techniques to previous lab, would have an easier time transitioning
• younger/less established PI (h-index in the 20s), but still relatively decent-sized lab with a handful of postdocs
• seems to have excellent and inclusive lab culture, both the PI and the postdoc I met with were super kind, PI mentioned weekly meetings with her so seems like I'd be able to get to know her better and learn a lot from her
• PI mentioned willingness to have me on a publication + work will result in a high-impact paper, but the project I'd most likely get placed on is only in its beginning stages/not sure when it'd get published
• lower publication output
• no other undergrads in the lab but they've mentored undergrads for summer programs in the past

Lab 2:

• more established/renowned PI (h-index in the 80s), seems very experienced
• higher publication output
• different research topic but one that I'm still very interested in
• another undergrad in the lab mentioned the lab culture is pretty chill/relaxed, decent likelihood of getting published depending on which project I'll be on
• PI was straightforward about willingness to publish/give letter of rec
• have had undergrads in the lab before
• larger lab so I wouldn't get as much interaction with PI

thanks so much for any advice!!

 

[sciencerules135]

Which is in a topic you are more interested? In my experience I thrived in my lab because I loved the topic, research I was doing, and people I was with. It didnt matter to me as much about output because I was contributing into something I was genuinely passionate about. Do something you will be able to talk about with passion and interest in your future-regardless of how many posters, pubs, or conferences it makes

 

[pdidd3]

If you are confident in your ability to execute an independent project first author project, then do Lab 1. Small labs will get u a good letter and more independence

If not then Lab 2, ur more likely to end up on a paper but probably not doing your own project.

 

[AJS59]

In the premed stage of your career getting a publication is a nice get but not critical. Pick the lab that you're more interested and the one where you think you'd get the most interaction with/mentorship from the PI

 

[Mr.Smile12]

It depends on who you are and what you want from the experience. More interestingly for me, how do you want this experience to challenge you?
1) Science question? Are you truly curious about it? Again this isn't work that's should define the rest of your life... don't put it on that pedestal.
2) Scientific method? (This is not about the topic, but about the process.) Have you ever been part of a project where you want to be the first to understand the answer? How do you handle an unexpected result?
3) Teamwork? What's the culture of support and growth in the lab? I'm not sure you learn anything from being in a "chill" lab... I don't like to have students just hang out on their phones rather than get actual work done. (You're not bored pre-teens.) How do you push each other to ensure success for the lab?
4) Communication skills: presenting your progress (mistakes and successes) every week takes practice (mentally included) to get to the point where you can present at a poster session.

The ideal situation will result in your lab team appreciating you and a solid LOR that shows significant investment and mentorship in your growth in the lab.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Hearing that someone with an H-index in the 20s is "less established" makes me a little self-conscious 😛

Honestly, I think the answer to this question depends on what you have already accomplished in your first lab, what you're looking for out of this new experience, and what your timeline is for when you're going to apply to med school. How many hours did you rack up in your previous lab, and do you already have some deliverables (posters/co-authorship) from that time? If you've already "checked the research box," then are you wanting to find a new research lab because:

1) You really enjoy research and intrinsically want to continue doing hypothesis-driven research while you have time as an undergrad
2) You want to bank some publications for your eventual residency application (again, publishing isn't the end all/be all at the undergrad level for getting into med school)

If the answer is 1, then I would likely pick lab 1 because it sounds like you'll get more direct mentorship and you'll learn more. If the answer is 2, then I would likely pick lab 2 because it sounds like they more or less have a machine up and running to churn out publications.

Either way, keep in mind that there is a third option of NOT finding a new lab. Take this opportunity to critically evaluate your application, and if you have a gap elsewhere such as in clinical experience or non-clinical volunteering, this may be a good opportunity to re-allocate your efforts towards these activities.