Navigating the maze of a new lab setup Karie Scrogin, Ph.D. Dept. of Pharmacology Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine

Negotiating Lab Space: How much leverage do you have? Have your own vision Trust your instincts

Your future employer may be torn between recruiting you and staying within budget. Make sure you get what it takes to run a successful research program. Don’t let them talk you into something you don’t want and can’t use. Negotiate for what you need. Don’t base decisions on promises of future space. Negotiating Lab Space cont’d:

Renovation Can you? What’s the $ limit?

Renovation considerations: Type of research: molecular/biochemical vs. whole animal Desk space at benches: alternative space for students or post-docs? Knee holes vs. drawer space Cell culture facility Don’t forget the fridge and freezer!!

Renovation considerations cont’d: How many sinks to you really need? Do you really need all those doors? Small rooms are great Lighting Furniture Storage

Equipment: The list! Don’t buy anything until you get there Don’t buy what you can borrow Investigate core facilities before buying Microscopes Find the “New Investigator” Deals Negotiate with the major suppliers

Colleagues What have they got that you can have/borrow Retirees (be sensitive!) What can you bring with you?

Animal Facilities Location vs. your lab CMF policy on animal housing Procedural considerations: Telemetry Imaging Behavioral Studies

Good Questions to Ask How long is the bank open? Is lab furniture included in start-up? Is office furniture included in start-up? How much space do others have and how is it utilized? Does space allocation change with changing funding? How fast?

Things I’ve learned It’s a slow painful process that requires patience, perseverance and a lot of time and effort. It may take up to a year to get things going smoothly. Don’t take your frustrations out on the administrators. Don’t forget about your other non-research obligations. Be careful, decisions made now can affect your research career for years to come.