Lab Etiquette (ENG)
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Welcome to the lab – think together, act together!
A well-functioning lab doesn’t rely solely on rules but on mutual awareness and shared responsibility. Especially for newcomers, it’s better to ask one question too many than to do the wrong thing silently. If you notice that something is running out – let people know. If you change something, inform others. That’s how we keep things smooth, safe, and effective.
Lab Etiquette – Common Information
Computer Use
There is a "Public Computer" available in the office area for general use. Please ensure it is always accessible for work-related purposes. Personal laptops may be connected to the LAN if they have an active virus scanner and firewall. The system administrator (ESO, CRH) provides support and access to the internal file server.
The file server (\"Fileserver_Data\") provides access to several programs, including ImageLab, MS Office, Leica File Browser, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator, Clone Manager, Endnote 8.0, GraphPad Prism 5.
To ensure smooth collaboration, please use these software versions for all lab-related work.
Initials & Labeling
Every lab member receives a unique set of initials via the secretary (e.g., "ESO" for Erik Sontowski). These must be used to label all samples, solutions, etc. The list is stored at: /AG_Hauck/Labororganisation/Namenskuerzel.doc
Lab Workspaces
Workspaces are either general or assigned. Do not use private desks without asking. Shared work areas (e.g. cell culture, microscopy, electrophoresis) must be cleaned after use.
Each person is responsible for:
- keeping their space clean (including shelves/drawers)
- disinfecting the bench at least once a week
- checking stored samples regularly
Sample Storage:
- Refrigerated (4 °C), frozen (-20 °C), and ultra-cold (-80 °C)
- Only use labeled boxes for long-term -80°C storage
- Include a datasheet per box in the -80°C binder (
/AG_Hauck/Vorlagen/-80-Ordner.doc)
Minimize time spent with freezers open – know what you need before opening!
Lab Book
All lab members (including students) must maintain a lab book (provided by the secretary), which documents work in chronological order.
- Pages must be numbered
- Create a table of contents on the first pages
- Original printouts (e.g. gels) must be glued/taped in
- Example protocols available at:
*/AG_Hauck/Vorlagen/Protokoll-Beispiel-Genta.pdf*/Protokoll-Beispiel-PCR.pdf*/Protokoll-Beispiel-Transfektion-Lysate.pdf
For digital results (e.g. microscopy, FACS), attach a separate sample protocol: /Vorlagen/Probenprotokoll.doc
Lab Protocols
Many standard experiments are documented in shared protocols (/Labororganisation/Protokolle.doc, VTK scripts). Stick to these when possible; note any deviations in your lab book. Reagents & solutions are listed under /Chemikalien/Lösungen.
Lab Jobs
Every lab member (students included) is assigned a Lab Job (e.g. solution prep, equipment care). Responsibilities are posted on the "Verantwortlichkeiten" list (whiteboard & file server).
Everyday Responsibility
You help keep the lab functional by:
- notifying staff when supplies run low
- disposing of waste properly (contaminated, cardboard, etc.)
- keeping common areas clean (tea kitchen, common room)
- restocking pipette tips, tubes, etc.
- placing autoclave items in front of cell culture lab
Chemicals & Solutions
Many solutions are prepared centrally. For personal use:
- avoid preparing excess amounts
- label properly: initials, date, name, concentration, hazard symbol
Recipes can be found:
- as a printed booklet in the lab
- digitally:
/Labororganisation/Rezepte.doc - and in the "Protocols and Methods" wiki section
We maintain several shared biological/chemical collections:
- Strain Collection: all bacteria (non-/pathogenic); stored at -80 °C, numbered by SF
- Plasmids: stored at 4 °C, follow strain numbers
- Cell lines: cryopreserved, managed by SF & CH
- Viruses: at -80 °C, MS Access overview
- Oligos: in TE buffer, -20 °C, ordered via JWK
- Antibodies: primary/secondary, MS Access database, organized by CH & SF
- Proteins, Inhibitors, Peptides: documented & structured
Documentation folders available near the public computer in the office hallway.
Competent Cells
Aliquots (200 µl) are stored at -80 °C near ML641. Retrieve them quickly and efficiently. Strain overview ▶ here (wiki link).
Enzymes
Shared use requires extra care:
- Use filter tips
- Handle only with chilled paraffin block
- Avoid skin contact with tube lids
Orders
Report low stock early! For common supplies: whiteboard near cell culture or notify the TAs. For project-specific materials: consult CRH before ordering.
Sequencing: use prepaid LGC Genomics / Azenta labels with supervisor approval. Limit to one reaction per construct unless approved.
Deliveries must be checked, signed, and submitted to PS. Datasheets go into the appropriate folders, labeled and dated.
Seminars & Meetings
- Monday 08:45: general lab meeting + project presentations
- Wednesday (biweekly), 16:00: Journal Club (paper shared by PDF)
- Thursday 12:15: Department Seminar (optional)
- Project meetings by arrangement with CRH – lab book required
Working Hours & Leave
- Non-scientific staff: use official timecards
- Scientific staff: present during core hours (9–12 & 14–16)
- Leave via: personal.uni-konstanz.de – always coordinate with CRH
- Ensure sample/culture care & Lab Job coverage during absence
- Students: coordinate absences with CRH/supervisor
Illness
Notify the secretary ASAP in case of illness. A doctor’s note is required from day 3 onward.