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I'm going into my 4th year this year as an assistant prof! I can't believe how fast time flies by. I love learning from my students every day!
The job is rewarding and challenging. Here's some things I have learned about running a research lab so far (thread)
#AcademicLife
The job is rewarding and challenging. Here's some things I have learned about running a research lab so far (thread)
#AcademicLife
(1) Be in the lab. It is tempting to be MIA in the lab the minute you get that title "professor" but I assure you that that is not the way to go about it. You are the expert and your presence in the lab can really help set the culture of the lab.
(2) Put time into your students. They need it. They want it. They deserve it. Invest in their education and invest in their well-being. They are colleagues who you are training. If you keep that mindset, I promise you the job will be much more rewarding.
(3) They are there to get a PhD in a subject they love, NOT to get you tenure. Yes, their work contributes to your tenure package but they are not slave labor. Likewise, always acknowledge their work.
(4) Set up an inclusive environment from day one. Don't get caught up in counting how many "diverse" people are in your lab. Numbers does not equal equity and inclusion but equity and inclusion does promote diversity. Students aren't numbers. Don't view them as such.
(5) Be prepared to fail. Experiments fail. Ideas fail. You will fail. Pick yourself up and try again. And be 100% honest about it. Don't be ashamed to talk about it. Let go of that stigma. We all fail and we all understand.
(6) Grant writing can really suck. But at the same time it can be so rewarding. You literally get to piece together a story being generated from your lab and provide a snapshot into the future in how you see science progressing. Keep that in mind. Grants are often a roadmap
(7) Focus on papers first, grants second. That may contradict others viewpoints but I have found that getting some good solid papers out the door early is super beneficial for when you go to write grants. Get that data!
(8) Take time off. You don't need to spend every waking minute of every day on work. Take some time for yourself and do something you enjoy. Your mental health will thank you for it.
(9) Don't be afraid to try new things. If I compare what my lab is doing now to what I wrote in my job proposal, I would see clear deviations and new directions. Trust me, it is worth the ride to go down a new path. And learn from your students. Listen to their ideas.
(10) Lastly, Have fun! This job is rewarding on so many levels. Don't forget to celebrate all the "wins" and learn from all the "losses". 4 years goes by quick!
