Is Cleaning Glassware Worth It?

[Lancer]

I'm just wondering if finding a job in a lab cleaning glassware even counts as research experience and/or if it is worth doing. I emailed a few PIs and one of them got back to me, basically explaining that I would be cleaning glassware in the lab, which I feel wouldn't even benefit me at all.

Edit: Basically the PI told me I would be cleaning glassware and creating solutions. He said that I may possibly be allowed to shadow them but that I probably wouldn't have time for it due to the amount of time the menial tasks take.

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[Bluto385]

cleaning glassware is good...but cleaning toilets is even better

 

[Fivo]

I'm just wondering if finding a job in a lab cleaning glassware even counts as research experience and/or if it is worth doing. I emailed a few PIs and one of them got back to me, basically explaining that I would be cleaning glassware.

Even if it counted as research, why in the heck would you knowingly join a lab to clean glassware? Unless it paid and I needed money badly, I'd try to find something else.

 

[TheShaker]

Ask the PI if there is an opportunity to do more. Cleaning glassware by itself is not a meaningful experience but it can be a stepping stone to actual research experience.

Unless you're getting paid. If you are, it's a pretty sweet deal but don't expect it to mean anything in terms of applications.

 

[Geebeejay]

I'm just wondering if finding a job in a lab cleaning glassware even counts as research experience and/or if it is worth doing. I emailed a few PIs and one of them got back to me, basically explaining that I would be cleaning glassware.

Unless you are researching the glassware you are cleaning, it is not research experience. Also, unless you are truly passionate about cleaning glassware and can write about how life-changing it was in your application, this probably wouldn't even be worth mentioning on your application at all.

 

[typicalindian]

OP you can come wash my dishes for me if you'd like.

But seriously, do NOT take that offer. It's a total waste of your time.

 

[Lancer]

These responses were along the lines of what I was thinking, but I feel as though any researcher I try to contact would tell me to do menial tasks, since I don't really know what I'm doing.

 

[MedPR]

These responses were along the lines of what I was thinking, but I feel as though any researcher I try to contact would tell me to do menial tasks, since I don't really know what I'm doing.

I learned how to run gels and use a mass spec in my research lab. Unfortunately I was never taught how to wash glassware or use the coffee machine.

 

[Lancer]

I learned how to run gels and use a mass spec in my research lab. Unfortunately I was never taught how to wash glassware or use the coffee machine.

Point understood. Probably not a good idea to accept the job then.

 

[MedPR]

Point understood. Probably not a good idea to accept the job then.

If there's little to no likelihood that you will get to do any real work, then no. My PI initially told me I would be doing grunt work (like washing dishes), but when I emailed him back explaining that I was interested in learning how things within the lab worked he decided to give me more worthwhile tasks. He said that most of the undergrads that worked in his lab just wanted to have something to put on their resume and wanted the simplest job possible. Maybe your PI will give you more responsibility if you explain your goals/intentions.

 

[Lancer]

If there's little to no likelihood that you will get to do any real work, then no. My PI initially told me I would be doing grunt work (like washing dishes), but when I emailed him back explaining that I was interested in learning how things within the lab worked he decided to give me more worthwhile tasks. He said that most of the undergrads that worked in his lab just wanted to have something to put on their resume and wanted the simplest job possible. Maybe your PI will give you more responsibility if you explain your goals/intentions.

At least this semester, most likely not. Talked to my PI and he made it pretty clear that they need someone to wash the dishes for a couple hours a week and prepare media for a couple hours. He said if I have time beyond that, I could shadow someone, but made it pretty clear that most of my time would be spent doing grunt work.

 

[MedPR]

At least this semester, most likely not. Talked to my PI and he made it pretty clear that they need someone to wash the dishes for a couple hours a week and prepare media for a couple hours. He said if I have time beyond that, I could shadow someone, but made it pretty clear that most of my time would be spent doing grunt work.

Preparing media might be a way to get your foot in the door. The lab I was in made their own gels and if you're doing that maybe you can ask someone (after you've worked there for a little while) what they do with the gels and maybe they'll show you the process.. then maybe you can ask if you can do that too. Running gels is simple and anyone can do it as long as someone teaches you.

 

[Spinach Dip]

I would be willing to clean glassware IF it came with some other benefit, such as shadowing opportunities or first choice of lab positions later.

But cleaning glassware just to clean glassware... no thanks.

 

[myronnie]

To be honest, I would not take a job where your only purpose in the lab is to clean glassware and make solutions. Find a volunteer position or some other job where you can do actual research. HOWEVER, please keep in mind that everyone starts from the same place. Most of us had to clean glassware etc. at the beginning and you'll still have to do menial tasks even when you're doing your own independent research. Work hard and show commitment to learn and work and you'll get there.

 

[Lancer]

Hm I see. I'm a little on the line about this then. I'm certainly not interested in cleaning glassware. And the PI did mention that I probably won't get to do much else this semester, at least. I would be interested in learning about the lab techniques and such but I feel as though I will be kept so busy with the glassware cleaning that I won't have time to.

 

[plumhill]

Does your PI have any intention of giving you more to do in the future? I know there are a few labs at my school where the PI purposefully has students clean glassware for a couple of months to see if they like the student and feel that they'd be a good fit to the lab, and then if the student "passes," they are given more credible research opportunities.

 

[Lancer]

Does your PI have any intention of giving you more to do in the future? I know there are a few labs at my school where the PI purposefully has students clean glassware for a couple of months to see if they like the student and feel that they'd be a good fit to the lab, and then if the student "passes," they are given more credible research opportunities.

That's an interesting idea. I'm not sure, to be honest. Though I'm pretty sure for this semester at least, I'm pretty restricted to cleaning glassware. The PI mentioned that I might be allowed to do more preparation stuff if I'm trustworthy (and by that he means creation of certain solutions, etc..) but nowhere did he mention doing actual research...

 

[Praefectus]

Hell no. It's extremely mundane.

 

[plumhill]

That's an interesting idea. I'm not sure, to be honest. Though I'm pretty sure for this semester at least, I'm pretty restricted to cleaning glassware. The PI mentioned that I might be allowed to do more preparation stuff if I'm trustworthy (and by that he means creation of certain solutions, etc..) but nowhere did he mention doing actual research...

OK if the PI isn't planning on giving you a research opportunity at the end of this, then I would say go find something else. In the labs I was talking about, it was clearly stated (and expected) that the student would be given a research opportunity after the mandatory glass-cleaning phase. They were only restricted to glass cleaning at the beginning so that both the PI and the student could figure out if the lab, environment, schedule, etc were a good match for both parties before the PI invested in that student.

 

[ScholarStud]

Hey OP, here's what you could do: take this gig, and clean the glassware. Be super charismatic and mature and do a really great job with whatever they ask you to do. Eventually they may start to trust you with more responsibilities. You never have to worry about starting at the "bottom" because if you work your ass off you will know its only temporary.

There's also the chance the entire lab takes advantage of you and you get used like a wet washrag. In that case you can leave and apply to other labs, saying you have a couple months of experience "helping out" in another lab.

I'd say take it, you aren't going to get your dream gig on the first try.

 

[Josh7]

Agreed with above sentiments. Cleaning dishware would be a waste of your time. Find a lab group where you will get to learn what research is all about.

 

[Narmerguy]

OP you can come wash my dishes for me if you'd like.

But seriously, do NOT take that offer. It's a total waste of your time.

I would be willing to clean glassware IF it came with some other benefit, such as shadowing opportunities or first choice of lab positions later.

But cleaning glassware just to clean glassware... no thanks.

Yeah I wouldn't do this. Find a PI who will eventually let you transition to real research. You have no experience yet so it's not surprising you'll start at 0, but this PI doesn't seem to have any interest in moving you past that.

 

[xBODOMx]

.

 

[Josh7]

I'm really surprised at the awful answers provided in this thread.

Absolutely take the job.

I worked two laboratory jobs. Before starting both of them, the PI noted I would be cleaning glassware. After a few weeks of doing that, they started having me do media production. Once they saw I wasn't a complete idiot like 75% of the new tech hires, they started me on seed and culture innoculation and eventually monitoring my own cultures.

First of all, 90% of everything you're doing for pre-med is a complete waste of time. Volunteering takes the cake of completely useless crap you'll be doing. Second, most pre-meds significantly underestimate the need of research experience. Third, you won't be doing "real" research as an undergrad. You're just useless in that aspect. Even if you don't get to move up, you'll still see how a real lab works and you can put it on your application. Stay there for 6+ months and find a different lab job if you're cleaning glassware still.

Take the damn job fool.

And then what do you talk about in interview? Overcoming the difficulties of cleaning an Erlenmeyer flask?

 

[xBODOMx]

.

 

[Bangersandmash]

I agree with BODOM. I'm in a data/chart based psychiatry lab and everyone starts with menial data entry. There's just no way around it. You have to learn how to enter data and until you get the hang of it, you can't begin to analyze things and develop a project. The same applies for a bench lab. You can't just go into a lab expecting to be taught how to run complex reactions and use expensive equipment. It's what you make of it after the training phase and feeling out what your PI will let you do.

Some PIs take advantage. Try your best to determine your future by asking about opportunities to move up. Most will let you as many PIs are dying for competent undergrads who get stuff done. Within 2 months of being trained in data entry, I had an idea for a project and my PI let me develop it. Now I'm second in command for the lab after a year and a half.

Gotta get your foot in the door.

 

[Lancer]

I really appreciate all of this feedback. Unfortunately, due to the conflicting answers, I'm still on the line about this, but I suppose it's something I'm ultimately going to have to decide for myself. Perhaps I'll talk to the PI again and ask if there is an opportunity to move up in the lab, but from his tone, it sounded like they really needed someone to clean glassware for most of the time since they said the current student there is too busy with a research project to clean glassware.

 

[MedPR]

If that's all you learn from a lab job then that's your fault.

There is no way in hell you'll be spending months only cleaning glassware. Eventually someone will be like, help me with this, or when you have downtime go ask people things. Get yourself out there. Can't have everything handed to you.

I've worked in a clinical lab for 2 years now. I've proven myself more capable and more intelligent than every one of my coworkers and have actively pursued my bosses about more responsibility/relevant duties. I've been turned down every time. I've learned next to nothing from this job and if it wasn't the highest paying gig I could get right now I would've quit a year ago.

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[Bangersandmash]

I really appreciate all of this feedback. Unfortunately, due to the conflicting answers, I'm still on the line about this, but I suppose it's something I'm ultimately going to have to decide for myself. Perhaps I'll talk to the PI again and ask if there is an opportunity to move up in the lab, but from his tone, it sounded like they really needed someone to clean glassware for most of the time since they said the current student there is too busy with a research project to clean glassware.

It sounds like this PI isn't what you want. Go with your gut and find a PI who is more willing to work with you. Just keep in mind that you've gotta start somewhere and factor in future opportunities when talking to labs.

I've worked in a clinical lab for 2 years now. I've proven myself more capable and more intelligent than every one of my coworkers and have actively pursued my bosses about more responsibility/relevant duties. I've been turned down every time. I've learned next to nothing from this job and if it wasn't the highest paying gig I could get right now I would've quit a year ago.

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But you're getting paid. A lot of pre-meds do volunteer research. If you're volunteering your time, you want to make the most of it and not wash glassware for 2 years. If you need a job, sometimes you take what you can get.

 

[MedPR]

It sounds like this PI isn't what you want. Go with your gut and find a PI who is more willing to work with you. Just keep in mind that you've gotta start somewhere and factor in future opportunities when talking to labs.



But you're getting paid. A lot of pre-meds do volunteer research. If you're volunteering your time, you want to make the most of it and not wash glassware for 2 years. If you need a job, sometimes you take what you can get.

I agree. I was just giving an example of the reality that you can be in a lab where nobody cares that you want (and can handle) more responsibility and your own project.

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[whatbout2morrow]

If this is the only opportunity you will get anytime soon, take the job. Try to find time to shadow those who are doing the actual research, try to thoroughly understand what it is that they are working on.

Keep your eyes open for other research opportunities. As soon as you find one that involves actually doing something other than cleaning glassware, give your two week notice and leave.

 

[myronnie]

I'm really surprised at the awful answers provided in this thread.

Absolutely take the job.

I worked two laboratory jobs. Before starting both of them, the PI noted I would be cleaning glassware. After a few weeks of doing that, they started having me do media production. Once they saw I wasn't a complete idiot like 75% of the new tech hires (seriously, the PIs I worked with told me that dish washing was the weed out for the new hires. It had a 3/4 attrition rate), they started me on seed and culture innoculation and eventually monitoring my own cultures then microscoping, etc.

First of all, 90% of everything you're doing for pre-med is a complete waste of time. Volunteering takes the cake of completely useless crap you'll be doing. Second, most pre-meds significantly underestimate the need of research experience. Third, you won't be doing "real" research as an undergrad. You're just useless in that aspect. Even if you don't get to move up, you'll still see how a real lab works and you can put it on your application. Stay there for 6+ months and find a different lab job if you're cleaning glassware still.

Take the damn job fool.

Ugh I totally disagree with almost everything in your post especially the bolded. Have you read of undergrads in labs with patents and others that have made significant contributions to research? Don't limit yourself and I would be slightly uncomfortable if I signed up for a position where my main task was to just wash dishes.
Two notable examples of undergrads making significant contributions in history are Alfred Sturtevant and the discovery of the Geiger counter.

Also, some people don't just do activities to put it on their application/resume.

 

[MedPR]

Tether, it sounds to me as if this really isn't a decision. This is what you are meant to do. Think of it this way, if you don't go pursue your dream now, you have a very long life ahead of you to regret it. Don't let anyone set limits for you. Keep plugging away and you will reach your goal. 🙂

I know four undergrads who got second author pubs.

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[VictorAlpha]

ok, yeah try and make a little jump and do something more meaninful.

But in all honesty, cleaning glassware, while not high-level cognitive function, is important. I do analytical research and I know if I don't clean the glassware well, I'll get f-d up results.

In terms of med school though of course everyone in the thread is pretty much on target; you'll want to look for something more.

 

[Josh7]

Ugh I totally disagree with almost everything in your post especially the bolded. Have you read of undergrads in labs with patents and others that have made significant contributions to research? Don't limit yourself and I would be slightly uncomfortable if I signed up for a position where my main task was to just wash dishes.
Two notable examples of undergrads making significant contributions in history are Alfred Sturtevant and the discovery of the Geiger counter.

Also, some people don't just do activities to put it on their application/resume.

I'd also add the numerous undergrads who do 5 years bachelors/masters thesis programs. Their research is quite impressive and in most cases two or three years of research during their "undergrad"

 

[BabyDoc86]

Keep looking. There are better opportunities out there.

 

[deleted393595]

I really appreciate all of this feedback. Unfortunately, due to the conflicting answers, I'm still on the line about this, but I suppose it's something I'm ultimately going to have to decide for myself. Perhaps I'll talk to the PI again and ask if there is an opportunity to move up in the lab, but from his tone, it sounded like they really needed someone to clean glassware for most of the time since they said the current student there is too busy with a research project to clean glassware.

If you can get your own research project with him, yes.

If not, move on.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Ha. No. Unless you're getting paid...then it's probably better than flipping burgers or delivering pizza.

Seriously don't get screwed by some guy trying to use you as free labor. Having lab chores to do as a part of the lab group is one thing. Being the lab biatch is another.

 

[mcloaf]

I'd ignore those telling you that this job is a stepping stone to publications and autonomy. There is something to be said for working your way up, but there is also something to be said for being confident enough to know what you're capable of and should be doing. Find a PI who is at least willing to entertain the idea of you doing real work once you get oriented in the lab. People telling you that you'll never do real research in UG are uninformed, but such a position is not likely to fall into your lap without any work on your part.

 

[def1]

I would avoid that position like the plague. It's useless as far as being a worthwhile experience. I was part of a lab, my first ever, at the beginning of this year and not only did i do actual research but i was in charge of my own project. Go find someone that will let you do real work, try new professors, they are usually more receptive because they need extra help

 

[Josh7]

I would avoid that position like the plague. It's useless as far as being a worthwhile experience. I was part of a lab, my first ever, at the beginning of this year and not only did i do actual research but i was in charge of my own project. Go find someone that will let you do real work, try new professors, they are usually more receptive because they need extra help

Yep, I'm not sure where people are getting these ideas that everyone's first lab experiences will be cleaning dishware and microwaving the professor's leftover macaroni casserole.

There are parts of all research projects that are going to be tedious so that's expected but if you're going to be a research assistant you should at least have to think

 

[Cinclus]

No. Find another lab that will let you get real research experience. If you put it on your app, it may be brought up in interviews, so it's probably better to actually have some research to talk about. I have extensive research experience, and it was heavily discussed during interviews. Also, doing dishes stinks.