Expectations of volunteering in a research lab?

[Violagirl]

I was offered an opportunity to help out in a research lab over the summer. The lab studies different aspects to the pathogen, C. Albicans and they are currently involved with studying the genomic structure and reproductive mechanisms of it. It sounds like I will be heavily involved in working with microscopes and obtaining and conducting imaging tests of cells found within this pathogen. I'm not for sure on how much time they want me to spend in the lab each week. It was implied in the interview that they might want me to come in everyday but I'm thinking with my class and work schedule for summer, the most I'll be able to do is to go in every other day for however period of time they might need. I have not had prior research experience in a lab outside of the classroom and so am unfamiliar with what might be expected in a research lab like this. I know different standards are set with different labs but on a general note, to anyone that has had research experience, how many days/hours each week did you spend in the lab, especially if it was on a volunteer basis? Also, when you started, did they work with you on what you'd be doing your first week? Thank you for reading through this. 🙂

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[CatFactorial]

Depends on what you want to get out of it. Just something to pass the time? Go in at your leisure (or whatever they will tolerate). Looking to get a project and ultimately a paper? Be there everyday, as long as you can. Your job then is to learn as much as you can so that you can be useful as quickly as possible.

 

[TheShaker]

I had the same fears when I first joined my lab. Basically, the general rule is about 20 hours/week during the semester for my lab but you should make it clear to your professor about how many hours you can handle. In general, summer is a little bit more laid back but things are tighter during the semester.

Also, as long you told them that you have no prior research experience, then you will be trained sufficiently. In my lab, the people are just trained to the bare minimum for their research project and they usually work with a more experienced partner. Eventually, they learn everything else along the way from more experienced members. Make sure you take initiative to learn more about your field and perhaps introduce your own ideas for the development of the project when you are ready. These people are looking to train future scientists, they like to see ambition and a desire to learn. Eventually, if they like you or see enough potential in you, they will allow you to work independently and just do whatever you want assuming you get results. This might take a year though.

You've been given a great opportunity to learn and practice a great career. Don't screw up.

Just kidding, good luck!

 

[Violagirl]

Thank you everyone for your input! It helps to know what to expect!

I did let them know that outside of having experience in the classroom, that I have not had any prior experience in working in a research facility. I also did respond to an email that I had been sent to determine what their scheduling requirements will be like and to see how they would feel about me working on an every other day basis.

 

[Violagirl]

Hey everyone, so I start my volunteer work in my lab next week and met with my PI yesterday to discuss the research more in-depth and to get to know me more in person as he had been on a month long conference in May. I got the opportunity to ask him some questions about his research and he mentioned next week would be a sort of trial week to see how things go with me in the lab. This statement made a little bit nervous and I sent him an email just stating that I had a couple of more questions since meeting and one thing I asked were about his overall expectations of a volunteer working in his lab. Since sending the email, I was told a couple of people that I should not have done this as he might think I'm having doubts. However, I just wanted to get an idea ahead of time on what to expect for my first week. Any thoughts?

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Hey everyone, so I start my volunteer work in my lab next week and met with my PI yesterday to discuss the research more in-depth and to get to know me more in person as he had been on a month long conference in May. I got the opportunity to ask him some questions about his research and he mentioned next week would be a sort of trial week to see how things go with me in the lab. This statement made a little bit nervous and I sent him an email just stating that I had a couple of more questions since meeting and one thing I asked were about his overall expectations of a volunteer working in his lab. Since sending the email, I was told a couple of people that I should not have done this as he might think I'm having doubts. However, I just wanted to get an idea ahead of time on what to expect for my first week. Any thoughts?

They just want to see how competent you are, how hard you work, and if you're reliable. If you're screwing up everything and it's obvious you are just going to waist time and resources then he'll probably let you go and you wouldn't want a LOR from that anyway. On the other hand. if you show you can quickly learn the techniques, comprehend the big picture of the lab's research, and work hard, then that's the beginning of a good relationship. Typically, PIs loathe premeds because they just want a letter and they're out. Showing you are passionate about the research by working hard, reading the literature, and knowing the research inside and out is what they like to see. If you can't do that, there's no way they will recommend you to be a doctor. Also, in biology it's really hard to come in every other day and still be productive. The experiments are long, and unplanned things happen that require you coming at all hours, any day.

 

[Violagirl]

They just want to see how competent you are, how hard you work, and if you're reliable. If you're screwing up everything and it's obvious you are just going to waist time and resources then he'll probably let you go and you wouldn't want a LOR from that anyway. On the other hand. if you show you can quickly learn the techniques, comprehend the big picture of the lab's research, and work hard, then that's the beginning of a good relationship. Typically, PIs loathe premeds because they just want a letter and they're out. Showing you are passionate about the research by working hard, reading the literature, and knowing the research inside and out is what they like to see. If you can't do that, there's no way they will recommend you to be a doctor. Also, in biology it's really hard to come in every other day and still be productive. The experiments are long, and unplanned things happen that require you coming at all hours, any day.

Thank you so much for your reply, definitely helps a lot! 🙂 Haha I'll be sure to not let him know right away that I am pre-med. I am most definitely flexible to go in when needed as I know a lot of it depends on the procedure for different projects. My last question, what should be expected especially in the first few weeks? Does the PI or anyone else available in the lab demonstrate the techniques that will be needed for later and then allow you to work independently or does it vary each day? Sorry for all the questions, this will be my first experience working in a lab outside of a classroom. 😳