Lab Manager | Run Your Lab Like a Business

Cover Story |  Volume 4 - Issue 10  |  December 2009

Becoming a Super Lab Manager

Know your strengths, correct your weaknesses

Sections

Leadership and Staffing

Becoming a Super Lab Manager

There is hardly a company in the world that hasn't been affected by the global economic downturn. In an economy such as ours, management should help alleviate the stress put on employees worrying about job security. Communication is key, and when staff members are aware of an organization's goals, productivity and motivation improve.

Motivating a 21st Century Lab Staff, Part II

In coming up with ways to motivate their staff, managers should take into account the different age cohorts that exist among employees. These groups all value different things and have various expectations when it comes to work. This article outlines ways of approaching each of these cohorts.

Business Management

Science Matters: A Year in Review–Looking Back and Planning Ahead

During the past year, scientists around the country have encountered various challenges, including an unpredictable world economy, thousands of job losses, and pharmaceutical megamergers. There cannot possibly be a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, can there? Think again.

The Evolution of Equipment Service

The quality and reliability of your laboratory equpment is central to generating results. Those results have a vital impact on the success of your lab, and when an instrument fails, your reputation can suffer. Choosing the right service provider is therefore essential.

Lab Design and Furnishings

Location, Location, Location

Whether your R&D operation functions as one central laboratory or as several smaller laboratories, the location chosen can impact facets of your business differently. From personnel relocation to reducing operating costs, several factors should be taken into consideration when determining the best location for your lab.

Laboratory Technology

A whole lot of fish

Measuring Mercury Levels in Fish

Vapor generation AA spectrometry provides a fast, cost-effective screening tool

December 2009 Technology News

The latest equipment, instruments and system introductions to the laboratory market.

Spotlight on Software: Purpose-Built LIMS

Reaping the integration benefits of enterprise-level laboratory information management systems.

Product Focus

Product Focus: Laboratory Chillers

Laboratory chillers provide advantages in portability and convenience.

Laboratory Refrigerators and Freezers: A Temperature For Every Taste

Laboratory Refrigerators and Freezers: A Temperature For Every Taste

Lab refrigerators and freezers are arguably the most common appliance in laboratories.

Product Focus: Laboratory Washers

Glassware washing machines are more than convenience appliances: They ensure consistent cleaning of critical labware, free up technician time for more value-added work, and provide assurance and validation in regulated industries.

Product Focus: Laboratory Ovens

Ovens are particularly common in chemistry, biology, medical, materials, and forensics labs.

Research-Specific Labs

Perspective On: A Food Testing Lab

The U.S. imports food from more than 150 countries and territories. Much of it is fresh produce and seafood, which can carry microscopic contaminants. While these contaminants become smaller and more sophisticated and food safety laws become stricter, food testing laboratories are coming up with new technologies and processes to detect chemical toxins before they reach the consumer.

Lab Product

Evolution of the Analytical Lab Balance

This article will look at the major technological breakthroughs–from the first single-pan analytical balance manufactured in 1945 to that which more closely resembles what's in your lab today.

Lab Health and Safety

Knock! Knock!

The how, when and what for a meaningful lab safety audit.

How it Works

How it Works: Obtaining Cost-Effective and Precise qPCR Chemistries

How it Works: Obtaining Cost-Effective and Precise qPCR Chemistries

IDT has recently developed its PrimeTime qPCR assay portfolio. This complete range of assay scales enables more affordable gene studies which better reflect the needs of the customer.

How Sample Preparation for the Detection of PAH and Phthalates Works

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as PAH, are used as plasticizers in many caoutchouc products, such as the rubber grips of tools. Some PAH have a proven carcinogenic effect on humans; this is why there are critical limits for the maximum

How it Works: Predicting Central Nervous System (CNS) Drug Penetration

Data from a number of in vitro models can be combined to assess the potential for molecules to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cause an effect in the CNS.

How it Works: Sample Security

Hamilton Storage Technologies has developed an automated sample management system that provides sample security, audit trails and complete chain of custody documentation.

Purchasing Guides

Lab Manager Magazine's Independent Guide to Purchasing a Lab Freezer

Use this guide to learn about the four main types of Lab Freezers, then visit LabWrench.com to check out the latest models from all the manufacturers and find out which best suits your needs.