r/labrats • u/Florida_Shine • 2d ago

New lab manager seeking any advice!

Hello!!

What is your best advice for a new lab manager? What are some mistakes you made and leaned from? Any advise for supervising technicians?

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u/Livid_Difference_344 2d ago

Re: tech supervising - When training others on a technique, have them do a sample alongside you. This helps trainees practice and work through questions on the spot saving you time down the line!

Re: lab management - Make a weekly/monthly/semi annually chores list. This helps me stay on top of any maintenance or general lab upkeep.

Some examples - Weekly: ordering, check/restock consumables, autoclaving, check freezer temps & water bath

Monthly: check chemical waste/inventory, refill water incubator

Semi annually: defrost freezers, coordinate inspections (general ehs, incubators, hoods, etc), remind lab to do/renew lab safety trainings, bulk order common items

Tending lab is an important job. Hope this helps!

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u/ilovebeaker Inorg Chemistry 1d ago

When I train people, we do 3 repetitions. First, I demonstrate, then I get them to do the process with my guidance, and lastly they do the process alone, with me just watching. This last step really forces them to think hard and refer to notes.

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u/Florida_Shine 1d ago

Love this!

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u/ilovebeaker Inorg Chemistry 1d ago

It's a teaching method I learned in a youth leadership program :)