How we work
Lab values
Science should be fun and collaborative. Good science needs people who feel free to ask questions, try things and get it wrong now and then. This page describes what we care about and what we expect from each other.
What we care about
Curiosity first
We dig into the fundamentals of immunology instead of chasing translation for its own sake. Understanding how things work is what leads to the surprising discoveries.
Ownership
Everyone, from bachelor student to postdoc, owns their project. You are encouraged to take initiative, bring your own ideas and shape where the project goes.
Mistakes are welcome
Failed experiments are part of the job and often raise the most interesting questions. We talk about them openly, so the next person does not have to repeat them.
Teamwork
We help each other at the bench and behind the screen, and we celebrate together, whether that is a poster prize or a family day at the lab.
Human-relevant research
We study human tissue wherever we can and develop models that replace animal experiments.
Clear communication
Science only counts when others can read it. We make figures that are colorblind friendly and text that is legible for everyone.
Community
We contribute beyond our own bench, for example through active roles in the graduate school, teaching and public outreach.
Sustainability
Lab work has a footprint. We try to shrink it, for instance by running our freezers at -70°C instead of -80°C, together with the UU Green Team.
What you can expect from us
A clear question to work on, with room to steer it yourself as you learn.
Supervision that fits your experience, and feedback that is direct and kind.
Contributions are acknowledged, in authorship and whenever the work is presented.
What we ask of you
Keep a lab notebook that someone else can follow, so results can be reproduced and built upon.
Ask questions before you are stuck and show data before it is polished, including what did not work.
Our team comes from many countries and backgrounds. Everyone is welcome here and treats colleagues, shared equipment and donor material with care.
All fan mail can be directed to Josch Kuhlmann, who helps us and others with administrative tasks.
UU students can search for projects that we need help with on the Konjoin website.