You're in charge of a laboratory. How can you make sure it runs smoothly?

1 Plan and organize

One of the first tasks of a laboratory manager is to plan and organize the lab's activities, resources, and goals. This involves setting up a clear and realistic budget, allocating equipment and supplies, scheduling experiments and tests, and assigning roles and responsibilities to your staff. You also need to establish standard operating procedures, quality control measures, and data management systems. Planning and organizing will help you avoid wasting time, money, and materials, and ensure that your lab meets the expectations and requirements of your clients, funders, or regulators.

2 Communicate and collaborate

Another key skill of a laboratory manager is to communicate and collaborate effectively with different stakeholders, such as researchers, technicians, students, administrators, and external partners. You need to keep everyone informed and updated on the lab's progress, challenges, and achievements, and solicit feedback and input from them. You also need to foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork among your staff, and encourage them to share their ideas, skills, and knowledge. Communication and collaboration will help you build trust, rapport, and synergy, and enhance the quality and impact of your lab's work.

3 Train and mentor

As a laboratory manager, you are also responsible for training and mentoring your staff, especially new or junior members. You need to provide them with the necessary orientation, guidance, and support to perform their tasks competently and confidently. You also need to monitor their performance, give them constructive feedback, and help them improve their skills and abilities. Additionally, you need to motivate and inspire them to pursue their professional goals and interests, and create opportunities for them to learn and grow. Training and mentoring will help you develop a skilled, motivated, and loyal workforce, and ensure that your lab maintains a high standard of excellence.

5 Comply and review

Last but not least, you need to comply and review the rules and regulations that govern your laboratory's operations. This includes following the ethical, legal, and safety standards that apply to your field, such as biosecurity, biosafety, animal welfare, human subjects protection, and intellectual property rights. You also need to conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure that your lab meets the criteria and expectations of the relevant authorities and agencies. Furthermore, you need to review your lab's performance and outcomes, and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. Complying and reviewing will help you avoid risks, liabilities, and penalties, and ensure that your lab maintains a good reputation and credibility.