Best Practices for Labs

The four categories and sub-points below describe recommended “best practices” that the Office of the Ombudsman has observed to be particularly helpful in producing a beneficial working relationship between post-docs and mentors.

• Defining mutual expectations for fellows and mentors:
  • Clarify project parameters and fellow’s role by use of project descriptions. The mentor and fellow can initial the project description that clarifies the goals and direction of the project, as well as how the fellow’s part contributes to whole.
  • Clarify in writing the standard operating procedures and practices for life in the lab - hours, flexibilities, ability to purchase supplies, lab meetings, etc.
  • Ensure that fellows know how to appropriately raise questions or concerns. (E.g., having a written problem-solving process)
  • Cover performance expectations with fellows - including making clear what objective measures and subjective measures will be used to appraise fellow performance.
  
  
  
• Facilitating fellow’s career development:
  • Develop with each fellow an IDP (Individual Development Plan) that identifies the fellow’s learning and professional development goals.
  • Sit down to review the IDP with the fellow at the mid-year and end of year appraisal periods. Use this sit-down meeting to solicit the fellow’s concerns, check in with his or her interests, and ensure ongoing communication.
  • Meet at least bi-weekly with each fellow individually to discuss projects, concerns, and scientific career interests.
  • Identify training opportunities (courses; collaborations with other labs). Make at least one training class (or FAES class) available to each fellow each year.
  • Offer opportunities for professional networking (including, inviting fellows to meetings and conferences at as well as outside NIH).
  
  
  
• Make available different techniques for each fellow - with corresponding resources and training:
  • Clarify orally and through written guidelines the steps a fellow must take to be given training to use advanced equipment (e.g., the EM and other microscopes).
  • Discuss these guidelines with the fellow at the outset of the fellowship.
  • Review at the mid-year and end of year appraisal periods where the fellow is in this process of progressing to being trained to use the equipment, if the fellow is interested.
  
  
  
• Encourage thorough scientific discussions at lab meetings:
  • Structure lab meetings to provide fellows an opportunity to present data, to discuss projects and findings with colleagues, and to be made aware of what others in the lab are working on. (E.g., 15-20 minute presentation by fellow; 15-20 minute discussion; 15-20 minute period for fellows and lab chief to raise any scientific or administrative issue of concern or any other matter affecting life in the lab).