Group Philosophy
Be Kind, Fun, Productive
Welcome
Welcome to the Dynamics of Living Systems group! Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential as independent scientists. We pride ourselves on being open and collaborative, and we’re happy to answer any questions about life in our group. We have plagiarised the website of Dan Bolnick to write our Group Philosophy as our core values are very similar.
Group Culture
We value honesty, enthusiasm, and a joyful spirit. Our members come from various backgrounds and everyone’s dignity and respect are paramount. Misconduct, harassment, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
Challenge Yourself
Be self-motivated — you are here to advance your career. Be ambitious, identify your personal definition of success, and aspire to exceed it. Be curious, take intellectual risks, and always have a safe “plan B.” Practice asking questions — write down at least one question per seminar talk you attend.
Collegiality
We value a supportive work environment where everyone is treated with respect. We support diversity in the workplace and do not tolerate bigotry, abuse, or harassment. Seek out frank but constructive criticism, and return the favor. At conferences, make a point of introducing yourself to strangers.
Ethics & Productivity
Honesty is essential for correct science. Mistakes happen — take a deep breath, acknowledge them, and fix them. Be productive by setting clear goals and meeting them. If it’s not published, nobody will know it ever happened.
Outreach
Outreach is a key part of our job. Find your outreach style — education, science communication, art — and pursue it well.
Obligations
The PI’s Obligations
- Help you achieve your career and life goals
- Provide rapid feedback on ideas and manuscripts
- Financial support for salary, research, and travel
- Regular meetings to discuss science and careers
- Write recommendation letters (with advance warning)
- Help you network with other scientists
- Frank and constructive feedback
- Conflict resolution
Your Obligations
- Tell me when there is a problem
- Be independent where you can, but don’t get stuck — talk before you’re in a rut
- Be creative and productive — work efficiently rather than super-long hours
Health & Wellbeing
Your mental and physical health are paramount. Success should never come at the cost of maintaining your health. If you’re not feeling well:
- If contagious, stay home and rest
- If struggling with depression or anxiety, your health comes first
- If you have an acute situation, take the day off — no questions asked
- For extended time off, discuss with me to facilitate
Find a work-life balance that works for you. Whatever your choices about work schedules, be aware of their costs and benefits.
Expectations by Career Stage
Postdocs
You’re in the final stages of training to be a professor. Have a website, write a mock job application, teach something, get a grant, and learn personnel management. Go to conferences and network more than feels comfortable.
Graduate Students
Your PhD is yours, not mine. Read more than you think you can — your success is proportional to your mastery of the literature. Know the history of the ideas you study. Develop a thick skin for rejections. Write regularly, learn to code, make a website, and publish early and often.
Rotation Students & Undergraduates
We’ll start you with a basic task, then build toward independent project ideas. Aspire to co-authorship. Be punctual, attend group meetings, ask questions — and then ask more questions.
Imposter Syndrome
Everyone’s journey is unique. Channel self-doubt into productivity by viewing it as motivation to excel. Maintain a record of your victories, however minor, for reinforcement during tough times.
Community
We organize social events to foster camaraderie beyond the professional sphere. Participation isn’t obligatory, but we encourage everyone to join when possible. We welcome group members to take active roles in organizing events.