Most young scientists and researchers are eager to learn how to become a good lab manager. This dream of becoming the head of a laboratory is often fuelled by a desire to helm exciting new research, make big discoveries, and be recognized for ground-breaking work. However, most early career researchers fail to realize that being a lab manager entails much more than just conducting experiments and publishing papers. To successfully manage a lab, scientists need be able to plan and organize workflows, managing finances and teams, ensure availability of resources and make certain that the lab is productive. Unfortunately, lab-management skills are not directly taught to young academics. Given the lack of formal training on how to become a good lab manager, many find themselves ill-prepared for the responsibilities that come with leading a lab.
A lab manager’s responsibilities extend far beyond the scientific aspects of work. Researchers trying to understand how to become a good lab manager, will need to strengthen or develop empathy, flexibility, problem-solving and management skills. It’s important to note that lab managers may have differing responsibilities based on the size and nature of the lab they supervise. Lab managers at smaller organizations, for example, may have a greater range of responsibilities than lab managers in larger firms where responsibilities may be divided across different management leads. Similarly, managing a research lab will inevitably differ from managing a diagnostic lab.
6 Key skills you must develop to become a good lab manager
Regardless of the level of responsibility as a lab manager, there are some skills and proficiencies that are critical if you want to advance your career and learn how to become a good lab manager.
Comprehensive planning: Keep the big picture in mind
As the head of a lab, researchers must be able to create a comprehensive and detailed plan for achieving the lab’s targets. While it is important to be practical when planning, thinking outside the box is an important skill if you want to become a good lab manager. This means being able to set clear goals, prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and manage timelines all while keeping the big picture or final vision in mind. Hence, effective planning is one of the most important skills to develop when figuring out how to become a good lab manager.
Managing resources: Organize to the smallest detail
Lab managers must organize the available people, equipment, and resources to ensure that the lab is functioning at peak efficiency. This includes knowing where and how to get the funding the lab requires. Government funding is difficult to secure and private institutions are not very forthcoming with grants, which makes securing the funds your lab needs a critical skill for researchers wondering how to become a good lab manager. Inadequate funding affects resource procurement and working environments and can be a threat to the future of the lab itself. However, despite best efforts, things sometimes don’t go as planned and it is the lab manager who is expected to fix things. This is what makes good organization, smart thinking, and effective resource management some key skills for those learning how to become a good lab manager.
Effective leadership: Inspire and empower
Laboratory managers are responsible for leading a team, so be it’s important to listen, act as a sounding board for the team, and be ready to take critical decisions. Effective leadership requires strong communication skills, the ability to delegate tasks, and to lead by example. Part of knowing how to be a good lab manager is being able to evaluate situations and make quick decisions, but it is equally important to inspire, motivate, and nudge team members toward success. Maintaining an organized lab and instituting regular meetings can help ensure you stay on top of things while empowering your team to work like a well-oiled machine to achieve the end goal.
Collaborative growth: Teamwork makes the dream work
Another critical skill for those wondering how to become a good lab manager is the ability to create a collaborative working environment. Collaboration requires a willingness to share knowledge, the ability to build strong relationships, and excellent interpersonal skills to avoid or manage conflicts as they arise. To ensure the lab is successful, you would need to ensure everyone in the lab collectively works to improve productivity and efficiency. Establishing standard operating procedures, communicating clear goals and expectations, setting realistic timeframes, and ensuring timely deliveries will ensure your lab is a safe, productive, and thriving workspace.
Training and supervision: Develop and hone your team
Training is often overlooked or ignored when budgets are low, which is counterproductive especially in a lab with people working on different aspects of an experiment. Becoming a good lab manager means understanding individual and team development needs and facilitating access to training courses, conferences, or workshops that enhance skills and increase morale. You would also be supervising individual team members to monitor progress and provide guidance where required to bring out the best from each contributor. Conducting regular one-on-one meetings with team members where they can discuss issues before they become problems is a good way to build trust and keep in touch with real issues that could impact performance.
Continual learning: Stay ahead of the game
As lab manager, your team may reach out to you for guidance on research-related work, for instance, you may be required to take decisions regarding different lab techniques and kits. So knowing how to become a good lab manager also means making time to read, learn, and connect. Being aware of the latest research and innovative new solutions allows you to pivot as needed to ensure the lab stays on track to achieve its goals. Staying abreast of industry news can help you steer the lab team and research output in the right direction. Leading workshops and attending networking events will ensure you have a finger on the pulse when it comes to new trends, possible connections, and potential lab collaborations. So invest in your own learning to help your lab stay ahead in the race to success.
Identifying the right mentor can help young lab managers flatten the learning curve and accelerate their professional growth. One of the best ways to grow into the role is by working with and learning from these experienced leaders, which is a key consideration when applying for a lab position. While there is usually no focused training on how to become a good lab manager, we hope this article has been able to give you a sense of the skills and expertise required to become a good lab manager.
