Working in a lab isn’t easy. Not only do you deal with experimental failures and demanding supervisors, you also work with other staff, postdocs, PhD students, and undergrads who are under the same pressures. People are often given bench space and encouraged to sort out the personal side of things themselves.
Geniuses still have to clean the lab
Scientific research is tough, and everyone worked hard to be here. Many of us strived to be at the top of our class from high school onwards and are used to overachieving. However, being very smart and hardworking does not absolve you of your responsibilities. Being under pressure is not an excuse for leaving basic housekeeping to others. You might be busy but you aren’t important enough to skip out on cleaning so get out the disinfectant and roll up your sleeves!
Lab cooperation starts with you
Personal differences in the lab can seem like minor annoyances but consider how much time and money is potentially wasted. Maybe equipment and bench space become filthy because no one is willing to take responsibility, leading to contamination issues. A lack of cooperation can lead to precious dollars and time being wasted. So, how can these problems be addressed before they become major issues?
Keep your part of the lab clean and organized and take the time to keep shared areas clean as well. You could also suggest social events for the lab to encourage a harmonious workplace and allow information sharing in an informal setting.
Even if you’re a still learning to hold a pipette the right way, there’s something you can do to help your lab become a more enjoyable and productive place to work.