I’m going to start this by making two big disclaimers:
- An amazing lab for one person will be the worst lab for someone else. So I’m not about to list a bunch of ‘musts’ you should look for, but instead factors you need to think about what fits you best & to ask about during interviews and rotations!
- The perfect lab may not exist. If you have a lot of requirements, pick your few that you can’t compromise.
Okay, and with that out of the way, this is what I recommend keeping in mind when choosing a PI and lab for grad school!
Mentorship: how hands-on and supportive is the PI
Do you want a PI who you meet with regularly, someone who is very involved in your day-to-day work? Or do you prefer someone who gives you more space and checks in less frequently?
This is one of those things that seems small at first but ends up shaping your entire PhD experience. Some people do really well with close guidance — having frequent feedback, structured meetings, and a clear sense of direction. Others prefer more independence, where they can explore ideas and manage their own timelines.
Neither is better, but it’s important to be honest about what works for you. A mismatch here can make even a strong research project feel frustrating.
Future: Where the lab’s previous grad students have gone
Take a look at where previous students ended up after leaving the lab. Are most of them in academia? Industry? Something else entirely?
This can give you a sense of what the lab tends to prepare students for, even if it’s not intentional. If you already have an idea of what you might want to do after your PhD, it’s helpful to see whether that aligns.
If you’re not sure yet, then a lab with a range of outcomes might give you more flexibility. It often reflects a PI who supports different career paths rather than pushing everyone in the same direction.
Lab working hours
Is the expectation closer to a standard schedule, or is it more open-ended? Are weekends part of the norm, or more occasional?
This isn’t just about how many hours you’re willing to work — it’s also about how those hours are structured. Some labs are very flexible, while others have more defined expectations.
It’s worth thinking about what kind of routine you want. Some people are fine with longer hours if it means finishing sooner, while others prefer consistency and balance over speed. Knowing where you fall on that spectrum makes it easier to evaluate whether a lab is a good fit.
Lab size
Do you want a larger lab with multiple projects and more people around, or a smaller lab with fewer members?
Bigger labs can offer more collaboration and exposure to different projects, but they can also feel less personal. Smaller labs often provide more direct interaction with the PI, but may have fewer resources or less variety in ongoing work.
There’s also the question of how visible your work will be. In a larger group, it can be easier to blend in, while in a smaller setting, your contributions may feel more central.
Funding situation
Is the lab well-funded, or will you need to apply for your own grants?
Funding affects more than just financial stability — it can influence what projects are possible, how quickly things move, and what resources are available. A well-funded lab may offer more flexibility in terms of experiments and materials, while limited funding might require more planning and constraints.
It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker either way, but it’s something that impacts your day-to-day work more than you might expect.
Graduation & publication rate of current and past grad students
Are students finishing within a reasonable timeframe, or are there consistent delays?
Looking at publication records can also give insight into how productive the lab is and what kind of output is expected. It’s not just about quantity, but also how projects progress and whether students are able to complete their work.
If timelines seem longer than expected, it’s worth asking why. Sometimes there are valid reasons, but it’s still important to understand what you’re walking into.
Lab Techniques
What kinds of techniques are used in the lab? Will you be working with models or methods that you’re interested in learning?
This can shape your skillset in a big way. While projects can evolve, the general approach of a lab often stays consistent. If there are specific techniques you want to gain experience with, this is something to consider early.
At the same time, being open to learning new methods can also be valuable, especially if it broadens your experience.
Lab social life
How often do people in the lab interact outside of work? Is there a sense of community, or is it more independent?
This doesn’t matter equally to everyone, but it can influence how comfortable you feel in the environment. Some people enjoy a more social lab where interactions extend beyond work, while others prefer to keep things separate.
Neither is right or wrong — it just depends on what makes you feel supported and productive.
How lab maintenance happens in the lab
Is there a lab manager, or are responsibilities shared among members?
This can affect how much time you spend on tasks outside of your research. In some labs, there’s a structured system for managing responsibilities, while in others, it’s more informal.
Understanding how this works helps set expectations for your day-to-day routine and how responsibilities are divided.
At the end of the day, choosing a lab is less about finding a “perfect” environment and more about finding one where you can realistically grow, work well, and stay motivated for several years.
Research interests matter, but so do communication style, expectations, work culture, and mentorship. The people and environment around you will shape your PhD experience just as much as the project itself.
And if possible, talk to current students honestly before making a decision. Their day-to-day experience will often tell you more than any interview can.