Off Boarding Checklist

Starting in a research lab gets a lot of attention. We talk about training, expectations, and learning new techniques. But another part of research training is just as important: how to leave a lab well.

Students leave research groups for many reasons—graduation, professional school, internships, or simply reaching the end of a project. Whatever the reason, leaving should be treated as a transition rather than just a last day.

Make the Research Transferable

Research is cumulative. If a student leaves without organizing their data, documenting experiments, or explaining where a project stands, the next person may have to repeat months of work.

Before leaving, students should submit all raw and processed data, analyses, figures, and supporting materials to the lab's shared storage system. The goal is simple: another person should be able to find, understand, and use the work.

Leave Good Documentation

Lab notebooks should be complete and include experiments, observations, troubleshooting, and deviations from protocols. Students should return the notebook to the lab and scan a copy for their own records and as an additional backup.

Students should also prepare a short transition summary describing what has been completed, what remains unfinished, current challenges, and recommended next steps. Ideally, another student should be able to pick up the project without reconstructing its history.

Don't Forget the Physical Lab

Samples should be reviewed with the PI and either retained, archived, or discarded. Anything staying in the lab should be clearly labeled and stored appropriately. Bench space, drawers, and storage areas should also be cleaned and ready for the next person.

Give Time for the Handoff

Whenever possible, I ask students to provide at least two weeks' notice. This gives us time to review data, samples, and project status while the student is still available to answer questions.

Offboarding is more than an administrative checklist—it is part of learning how to be a professional researcher. A successful departure leaves the work organized, understandable, and ready for someone else to continue.

This is free, always will be — but if you want to say thanks, a chai latte tip is always appreciated ☕

Venmo @Jessica-Pullan