TSAL Toolkit

"This letter can transmit important information about;

• Goal of the research group or PI vision
• Fulfilling the mission and proving training
• Role of the PI or Team Leader(s) - what can be expected
• Expectations of laboratory or team members

"Specific topic areas could include:

"Laboratory/Team interactions and procedures

• Team meetings, Journal Clubs, Sharing space and reagents.  Using specialized equipment
• Time and attendance, vacations, sick leave
• Networking, attending outside meetings, professional etiquette
• PI or Team Leader(s) work habits, expected work habits

"Conduct of research

• Scholarly integrity/research ethic, notebooks, record keeping, sharing data
• Data presentations, submission of abstracts, presentations
• Responsibility for data storage and retrieval

"Communication

• Seminars and tasks, abstracts and manuscripts
• Logistics and agendas for routine meetings.  Expectations for participation and/or contribution
• Process to follow if there is a disagreement

"Authorship & Collaboration/Sharing Credit

• Criteria/process for deciding, Ongoing projects
• Process for regular review and revision, Acknowledgments

"Career Development

• Training in research, communication skills (oral, written)
• Personal interactions - professionalism
• Career planning, Promoting the careers of more junior members
• Opportunities to take on new leadership roles

"Evaluation

• Form and frequency
• Reference letters

"Scholarly Administration & Leadership

• Manuscript review
• Grantsmanship

"Mentoring

• Finding a mentor (or mentors)
• Mentorship, sponsoring, coaching others

"Institutional and local resources

• Employee assistance program/counseling, Housing, Local information”