Working in 2 research labs?

[deleted577188]

I've bothered you all enough about research and all things related but I have just one more question.

How common is it to do research in 2 labs in the same field (organic chemistry)? I've been offered a position in another lab with a professor who teaches all graduate level courses and is one of 5 or 6 researchers at my school currently publishing on a fairly consistent basis (in the field of o chem anyway). I did not seek this position; a TA told him about my "raw talent" and thus he offered me the opportunity to work with him.

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[Doug Underhill]

Being in two labs makes you less likely to get a publication IMO. It's hard enough for an undergrad to juggle their class load with the amount of effort it takes to make a significant contribution to a publication.

 

[Shirafune]

Spending enough time in two labs to warrant an authorship will likely detract from your grades and, at the very least, your other EC commitments.

 

[referee3]

Always stick to a single lab

 

[deleted577188]

Being in two labs makes you less likely to get a publication IMO. It's hard enough for an undergrad to juggle their class load with the amount of effort it takes to make a significant contribution to a publication.

I'm not too worried about publishing, although I do realize it looks great on an app (especially if it's meaningful). One of the labs would be for graded research credit (so it's factored into my class load, and counts for my major gpa/required classes) whereas the other one would be pure "volunteer" work. (I am interested in both btw, I'm not necessarily trying to beef up my app)

 

[DressageGal]

I disagree, I'm in two labs and its a pain but manageable. Don't be scared to challenge yourself, just make a contingency plan for if it becomes overwhelming.

 

[deleted577188]

I was in this same position a few years ago--I decided to just do one. I didn't feel I had enough time to contribute a substantial commitment to both of them. Probably best to decide which lab's research you find more interesting/which can offer you the best experience. Good luck!

I am already kinda working with one professor and have committed to doing a certain number of graded credit hours of research with him next semester. This other offer is the only new offer and would presumably begin next semester, although this summer could be a slight possibility too.

 

[NeuResurgens]

I've said this several times already on here - stick with one lab! I tried to join two as a Sophomore and it turned out pretty awkwardly. Don't learn this lesson the hard way like I did. Both PIs will see you as fickle and uncommitted.

 

[Bottle]

I can't imagine myself working in two labs. OP, are you in college to learn or to be labour slave? Stick to one lab and enjoy the experience. You will actually put your PI and grad students in awkward position because when they gave you that spot, they assume you will be here to help. Now they can't kick you out because you haven't done anything wrong, and they can't utilize you.
You may be in two labs for a semester or two, but there is a good chance you will bail out of the whole thing/one of the labs kick you out.

 

[tiedyeddog]

Just work in one... No reason to do two at a time.

 

[youmed]

With your "raw talent," stick with the original lab, work really hard, and get in good terms with your PI. No one likes wishy washy undergraduates.

 

[snowflakes]

May be possible but not worth it. Better to go twice as far in one lab than half as far in two labs.

 

[referee3]

You sound like a flake OP. PI's don't like flakes.

 

[Amba]

I managed to work in two labs and be productive during undergrad, except one was clinical and one was basic. It's doable but you'll be really busy.

 

[moemoekyun]

You sound like a flake OP. PI's don't like flakes.

Lol, one of my professors told me that when I was in a similar position (I was offered a spot in two different biochem labs). OP, in my experience, I would say stick with one that you would like more/get more involved in. I would also talk to both PIs (the current one to let them know what's going on, and the new one, because if he's well-established and offering you a spot when he can have anyone, I assume, without you going to him, that sounds real good).