Life and Research

"Scientists embarking on a career in bench research need to develop an array of technical skills specific to lab settings. But beyond these skills they also need to learn what it means to work productively in a lab, how to manage their professional development, and how to achieve work-life balance. In this guidebook, an expert lab manager and a long-time principal investigator offer graduate students, postdocs, and other early-career scientists practical advice for developing the professional and personal skills needed to survive and thrive in lab settings. With an emphasis on issues such as healthy relationships, professional behavior, and self-care, the book coaches scientists on managing stress and avoiding burnout, factors that often interfere with the ability to carry out basic research and academic responsibilities. It also shows them how to deploy social and communication skills effectively in particular aspects of lab life, from managing research projects and collaborating with labmates to writing about their work and attending professional conferences. Born out of the authors' social media accounts, most notably @TheLabMentor and @youinthelab, the book extends their platform for advising lab workers at all levels and welcomes early-career researchers into this friendly and supportive community"--