Questions to Ask a PI Before Joining the Lab
Critical questions to evaluate research fit, mentorship style, and lab culture before committing to a graduate program or postdoctoral position.
1What is your mentorship philosophy and typical meeting frequency?
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What is your mentorship philosophy and typical meeting frequency?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to advising, availability, and whether they're hands-on or hands-off with trainees.
2What are the lab's current research priorities and funding situation?
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What are the lab's current research priorities and funding situation?
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Why this works
Shows project stability, available resources, and whether your interests align with lab direction.
3What does a typical career trajectory look like for graduates from your lab?
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What does a typical career trajectory look like for graduates from your lab?
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Why this works
Indicates placement success, career preparation quality, and whether alumni achieve their goals.
4How does the lab handle authorship and publication decisions?
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How does the lab handle authorship and publication decisions?
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Why this works
Reveals fairness in credit distribution, publication expectations, and potential conflicts over contributions.
5What is your expectation for work hours and work-life balance?
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What is your expectation for work hours and work-life balance?
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Why this works
Shows whether lab culture is sustainable, respects boundaries, or demands constant availability.
6How do you handle conflicts or challenges within the lab?
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How do you handle conflicts or challenges within the lab?
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Why this works
Reveals conflict resolution approach, communication style, and whether issues get addressed or ignored.
7What opportunities exist for collaboration within the lab and with other groups?
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What opportunities exist for collaboration within the lab and with other groups?
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Why this works
Shows openness to interdisciplinary work, networking opportunities, and breadth of research exposure.
8What resources and equipment are available for the research I'm interested in?
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What resources and equipment are available for the research I'm interested in?
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Why this works
Indicates whether infrastructure exists to support your work or if you'll face technical limitations.
9How do you support professional development beyond research skills?
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How do you support professional development beyond research skills?
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Why this works
Shows investment in teaching, communication, and career skills that extend beyond lab work.
10What is the expected timeline for degree completion or postdoc duration?
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What is the expected timeline for degree completion or postdoc duration?
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Why this works
Reveals realistic expectations and whether students finish on time or get stuck in extended positions.
11How do you handle situations when research projects aren't working out?
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How do you handle situations when research projects aren't working out?
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Why this works
Shows flexibility, problem-solving approach, and whether failing projects doom your progress.
12What is the lab culture like in terms of collaboration versus competition?
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What is the lab culture like in terms of collaboration versus competition?
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Why this works
Reveals whether lab members support each other or compete, affecting daily work environment.
13Can I speak with current and former lab members about their experience?
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Can I speak with current and former lab members about their experience?
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Why this works
Willingness to connect you indicates transparency and confidence in lab culture.
14What are your expectations for conference attendance and presentations?
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What are your expectations for conference attendance and presentations?
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Why this works
Shows opportunities for networking, visibility in the field, and travel support availability.
15How do you approach grant writing and involving trainees in the process?
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How do you approach grant writing and involving trainees in the process?
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Why this works
Reveals whether you'll gain valuable funding experience or be excluded from proposal development.
16What happens if my research interests evolve during my time here?
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What happens if my research interests evolve during my time here?
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Why this works
Shows flexibility and openness to intellectual growth versus rigid project assignments.
17How do you balance teaching responsibilities with research productivity?
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How do you balance teaching responsibilities with research productivity?
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Why this works
Indicates whether teaching is supported or seen as a distraction from research.
18What is your policy on remote work or flexible scheduling?
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What is your policy on remote work or flexible scheduling?
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Why this works
Reveals adaptability, trust in trainees, and whether physical presence is required constantly.
19How does the lab handle data management, reproducibility, and open science?
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How does the lab handle data management, reproducibility, and open science?
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Why this works
Shows commitment to rigorous science, transparency, and modern research practices.
20What aspects of your lab are you most proud of, and what would you like to improve?
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What aspects of your lab are you most proud of, and what would you like to improve?
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Why this works
Reveals self-awareness, priorities, and honesty about lab strengths and weaknesses.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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