Checklists

Onboarding Checklist

There are many systems to engage with when starting in the lab, including but not limited to the list below. Please let Mike know if you encounter something else important that belongs on this Onboarding Checklist for the future!

  • Read this lab handbook and raise any questions/concerns with Mike
  • Get access to the lab:
    • Pick up an ID badge from the Card Office (Nelson Harvey Building, Room #108)
    • Email our department’s senior administrator to introduce yourself and request a key to our lab (WBSB 104) – “cc” Mike on this email
  • Tap into lab digital resources:
    • Request invitation to Slack
    • Request invitation to the Google Drive Folder (important files, protocols, etc) and familiarize yourself with the “PiacentinoLab_Master_Log” file
    • Request invitation to the Google Calendars, including Lab Events, Seminars, Birthdays (add your birthday so we can celebrate you!), and Equipment (e.g. Electroporation Station #1, PCR Block, etc.)
    • Request access to the Piacentino Lab Server
    • Make an account in Benchling and request access to the Piacentino Lab
    • Request invite to the Piacentino Lab LabSuit and get familiar with our inventory/ordering pipeline
  • Prepare for group meetings by reviewing (on Google Drive > LabMeeting_JournalClub):
    • Lab Meeting Agenda and Expectations document
    • Weekly Research Question Guidelines
  • Register for and/or take all required Health and Safety trainings (see Laboratory Conduct & Biosafety)
  • Review the Laboratory Conduct & Biosafety chapter again, and familiarize yourself with the location of safety features including:
    • Eyewash stations and emergency showers
    • Fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and evacuation routes
    • Spill kits and decontamination solutions
    • Waste containers (biohazards, sharps)
  • Register for and/or take all required Human Resources training (see onboarding emails from HR) – these trainings cover important topics including inclusive work environments, harassment policies, research ethics, and beyond
  • Send Mike a picture and information about yourself (include pronouns and a brief bio) for the people page
  • Fill out the Work Style Questionnaire and discuss your answers with Mike
  • Optional:
    • Get a paper lab notebook from Mike’s office
    • Set up a tool kit for embryo work
    • Get access to the stationary closet

Offboarding Checklist

  • Data storage
    • Backup all your data and lab documents across your external hard drives and in the server
    • Walk Mike through your data organization on the server
    • Turn in your hard drives to Mike. If you need a hard drive, ask Mike.
  • Data analysis
    • Make sure all your analyzed data (image measurements, code and Prism files) are clearly organized and accessible, backed up both on external hard drives and the server
  • Notebooks and records
    • Ensure your notebook and any lab documents are up to date and detailed, show Mike
  • Samples – make sure they are clearly labeled
    • Show Mike where your samples are stored (4°C, -20°C, -80°C, LN2)
  • Return lab key and tools (if applicable)
  • What do you wish you knew before starting your time with us?

Work Style Questionnaire

The Piacentino Lab Work Style Questionnaire – fill this out and discuss your answers with Mike as part of onboarding.

  1. The one thing I need most from a mentor/supervisor is: (explain)
  2. The top three things that motivate me are:
  3. These are the ways I receive feedback best:
  4. I do my best to work well with everyone, but these are a few things that I find difficult to work with:
  5. When I am upset or struggling in the workplace, this is how I tend to express it:
  6. My three main strengths as a scientist and colleague that help me meet my goals are:
  7. Three areas in which I could improve as a scientist and colleague in order to meet my goals are:
  8. Colleagues and supervisors can best support me in the following ways:
  9. My favorite lab snacks are: / My favorite lab beverages are: / My dietary restrictions/preferences are:
  10. (Optional) Last, I think you should know that: