Research Lab Issue and Advice

[polyploidy516]

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Hey all, I would really appreciate your clarification on a situation that is occurring in the lab that I work in.

Specifically, I work in a molecular bio lab. As the lab sequences thousands of dna and rna samples., there is an issue that is arising. As I was in charge of extracting RNA from about 1200 samples, I was able to do some. However, after organizing all of the data that I accumulated, I noticed that several samples were missing ( about 200-300 samples).

As my supervisor had assigned several students for this one project, I am confident that I did not make a mistake in losing any of these samples. However, this discrepancy still exists.

My question is as follows: as I really do not want to lose this volunteer research position, how should I approach my supervisor in regards to this situation? I was told that the project would not be completed until all of the samples are found. However, i honestly have NO idea where they could be; i only have account of the samples that I processed ( in my notebook, I carefully recorded all of the samples that i did, etc). As I really do not want to be let go because of this ( my performance has been near perfect otherwise--I am constantly praised and have a good rapport with everyone in the lab), how can I politely tell my supervisor that this issue isnt necessarily my fault as many other students were involved in this project as well?

I really do not want to sound presumptuous and really don't want to lose a potential LOR from the PI of the lab as she is affiliated with one of my top choice schools.. Your thoughts and clarifications would be appreciated.

 

[chillaxbro]

It doesn't sound like it's your fault. I don't see what the problem is in just asking your supervisor unless she is unreasonable and would fire everyone over a situation that can easily be fixed

 

[masaraksh]

First, I think you are overly worried that "you may be let go because of this" and that "you'd lose an LOR".

These things happen, and I think you should discuss with i) the group, and later ii) the PI if the first discussion goes nowhere.

 

[polyploidy516]

I appreciate your clarification. I guess I am just overly worried as I feel that I did everything as well as possible yet still have this issue that is not really my fault. I will definitely talk to both the group and, if necessary, my pi as well.

I just dont want to give the impression that I am putting the blame on anyone but myself. In addition, as this is my first project ( I have been helping for about a year with this project), I was concerned as I was planning on asking my PI for more independence later (an independent project for example) and did not want this situation to be used against me in any way.

 

[kyamh]

Do you know who the other students are? I would email the PI and say that you are noticing a discrepancy in the samples you expect to be in place x and the samples that are actually there. Then ask for the emails of other students working on this project so that you can set up a time that you all can meet in the lab and figure this out, say that you will report back as soon as you have more info. Then email all the students and cc the PI or supervising post doc asking everyone to meet, make a doodle poll with suggested times. Meet with everyone and their notes and figure out what went wrong.

This course of action shows leadership, pro activity, the ability to get things done, responsibility, and forward thinking.

 

[kami333]

^ Agree with kyamh

This happens more often than you think (and than people will admit), I wouldn't lose sleep over it, especially since you've documented your end properly. I would also suggest using this opportunity to come up with a plan so that it doesn't happen again, ie discuss proper documentation and labeling, and implementing some sort of sample tracking system.

 

[polyploidy516]

I really appreciate your clarification! I did speak to several of the students and they dont seem to know either (they dont have discrepencies as well in their notebooks even though samples are missing). One reason I feel that this may have happened is that some of the samples may not have been processed originally or accidently thrown out/misplaced (although the samples were in one area originally, during processing, they were spread out over 2 benches) This could have accordingly resulted in less final number of samples.

Intiially, i assumed that I may have made an error (I may have accidently mislabeled a tube etc). However, after carefully checking my notebook, etc, that does not seem to be the case.

I will definitely bring this up with my supervisor, and PI if necessary.

One further question that I have is if these samples are not found even after these proactive measures, do you think this could be used against me later on in a LOR, etc? I tried to make everything as perfect as possible as I really need a strong letter of rec from my PI. I just dont want to let this discrepancy to affect that especially since a significant number of samples are missing.

Your experiences and thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you once again!

 

[kyamh]

I doubt it. Students f up in my lab all the time. If they show evidence of trying to get better at whatever mistake they made, my PI does not hold it against them. Just make sure to never make any excuses and do be sure to accept responsibility, even just to say that you students should have come up with a unified system before you started. 250/1200 samples is a lot....you all need to show that you learned something and that you understand what such carelessness can cost a lab.