The Azimi Lab Charter

As scientists (especially as microbiologists) we spend a substantial amount of time mastering new skills, embracing novel concepts, and finding creative ways to incorporate them into our research. Navigating life in the lab has its natural ups and downs.

While this space is our specialized niche, providing the resources we need to test our hypotheses and run our experiments, we must collectively work to keep this habitat vibrant, organized, and functional. 

As the lead and mentor of this group, and  building on the lessons and insights of my mentors and colleagues, I have put together this Lab Charter to serve as collective guide for working in the Azimi Lab.

After my family, this lab is my highest priority!

How I Will Support You as a Mentor:

Communication is Key! I value transparent and honest communication. 
You can expect honesty and transparency from me, and you don't have to "read between the lines" to know my stand and opinion. 

• I genuinely want to support everyone here, but I might not have all the right tools to help! 
• If you are struggling, I will provide support. I might not always know exactly what to say or do, but I am always willing to listen and do what I can within my own limitations.
• If you are not curious or excited about your project and not motivated to find out the answers to key questions, it is absolutely OK, maybe microbiology is not your passion! I will try to help you to find your path, and alternatives. 
• If you need something, whether it's professional guidance or personal flexibility, please just ask. 
• Sadly, I don’t have any mind reading abilities, so please tell me! I am always in your corner!
  
• I am committed to meeting with you at least once a week, I cannot give you all of my time! There will be many moments when I don't have the bandwidth you need. However, I will always do my best to accommodate you. 

What I Expect from Lab Members

• Communicate Openly: Commit to open communication about your strengths and weaknesses. If something is not working for you, you will say something. 
• Be Present:  Don't make me and your peers to form a search party to find you! You are expected to be at work during working hours. While I do not track your working hours, I expect you to be in the building. To be an impactful member of this ecosystem, you need to be approachable by other members. In cases of emergencies, and family commitments, or sickness, you will let me know.
• Own Your Science: You are not just a pair of hands executing a protocol; you are the intellectual driver of your project.  This means actively reading the literature, asking "why" behind every step, and striving to place your work in a broader scientific context. Information is freely and readily available, as a scientist, you should be able to critically think and find the "right" information and strategies for your experimental plans and data analysis! 
• Protect the Integrity of Generated Data: Every data point represents time, effort, and resources that cannot be recovered. Take care of your files, document your methods meticulously, and protect your raw data like the asset it is. Keep your lab books updated and accurate.
• Keep all information regarding data storage in your lab notebook, even the failed experiments, and                         incomplete ones.
• Deliver on Expectations: Do what you say you are going to do! Manage your time effectively, anticipate hurdles, and own your deadlines. If plans need to change, be proactive and adjust openly, but always ensure the work is completed when you agreed to complete it.
• Your word is your professional currency. Build a reputation as someone who finishes what they start and can  be counted on by their peers.
• Accuracy Over Speed: While mistakes are inevitable, carelessness is not. You will hold yourself to a high standard and openly communicate when you think you have made an error. 
• Try Hard Things: Improvement requires pushing past your comfort zone. If you are trying a new protocol, read about it, learn and understand the principles, and find resources to and requirements! It is your job as a scientist! We can trouble shoot and work together to perfect your skills. 
• Be a Supportive Colleague: We work closely together, and a baseline of patience, kindness, and active support is non-negotiable for our community. You will be compassionate and respectful toward all members of the lab, your mentors, and your peers, recognizing that people may be facing challenges you cannot see. Be mindful of your impact on those around you.
• Respect Our Shared Environment: Maintaining a high-performing lab requires everyone to take ownership of our environment. You will follow all safety protocols, keep communal and personal bench spaces tidy, and return items to their proper places immediately after use. If you don't know where something goes or how a protocol works, just ask. Same goes for your shared office spaces.