© 2005 • 176 pp., illus., index
Hardcover • ISBN  978-087969741-9

This title also available in: Paperback

Scientists are trained in scholarship and technical skills but not, typically, in how to deal with their peers, supervisors, or staff who report to them. Yet even a first–rate research project can fail or flounder if the people concerned can’t get along.

Lab Dynamics is a book about the challenges of doing science and dealing with the individuals involved, including oneself. The authors, a scientist and a psychotherapist, draw on principles of group and behavioral psychology but speak to scientists in their own language. They offer in–depth, practical advice, real–life examples, and exercises tailored to scientific and technical workplaces on topics as diverse as conflict resolution, negotiation, dealing with supervision, working with competing peers, and making transitions between academia and industry.

This book addresses a subject of direct importance to lab heads, postdocs, students, and managers concerned about improving the effectiveness of academic and industrial research.

  “Lab Dynamics is a highly understandable and practical book that equips the reader with the basics for developing the requisite “soft skills” that can significantly enhance technical productivity and promote career satisfaction and advancement....

Whether they are in management or not, scientists at all stages of their careers will find Lab Dynamics a useful guide. Experienced leaders will find it a practical refresher in mastering their skills, whereas nonmanagement and early–career professionals will find it much more than a survival handbook.”
      —Clinical Chemistry

  “...a concisely written book designed to provide scientists, in a variety of settings, a comprehensive skill set for surviving other scientists and the pressures of the work place. The book is written to appeal to a range of scientists from beginning trainees to seasoned professionals. Importantly, the authors provide real world examples of personal interactions between scientists in jobs covering a broad scope of work settings...Scientists who work in settings ranging from industry, government, or academia will likely find the book interesting and useful...This first edition book was developed from the authors' considerable experiences as scientists and consultants in academia and in the private sector. The book is easily read and holds the interest of the reader with amusing anecdotes, clever quotes, and real world examples and tables that summarize each chapter.”
      —Veterinary Pathology

Carl Cohen discusses issues from his book in an article on “Dealing with Conflict” in The Scientist (Volume 21, Issue 2).
Full article: http://www.the-scientist.com/2007/2/1/26/1/
Interview: http://images.the-scientist.com/podcast/theweek/audio/mp3/20070131.mp3
      —The Scientist

  “[This] book explores the specifics of professional and personal interactions between individuals working in a scientific environment. It is a useful practical management guide not only for those who are considering scientific leadership as the next step of their career, but also for postdocs and postgraduate students, who need to interact productively with their peers and scientific advisors. What makes Lab Dynamics an unusual book is that it is largely based on personal experience and is written from the perspective of social and behavioural psychology. The authors, one is a successful scientist and President of Science Management Associations, the other is a Licensed Psychologist and Clinical instructor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School, use real–life examples to illustrate how simple and seemingly unessential conflicts may have serious implications if systematically ignored.  Detailed analysis of critical situations is accompanied by valuable exercises and practical advice ranging from how to resolve delicate situations to how to deal with obnoxious behaviour of inconsiderate individuals. For those unfamiliar with research in the industry, the book also illustrates the basic differences between academia and biotech companies in the management of scientific projects and teams....  

Lab Dynamics is a very enjoyable read and one of the most valuable contributions to the slowly growing collection of books on laboratory management.”
      —Genetical Research