RA FAQ

How many hours a week should I focus on each type of task?

Generally, contribute 5 hours a week to working on your mentor's specific project tasks, and the other 5 hours a week on lab general tasks, like recruiting and transcription. Recruiting will take up 1-2 hours and the remaining time should probably be allotted to transcription.

This will shift a little week to week as you help out with study visits and miscellaneous administration tasks!

How do I log in to the BLAB-SHARE Secure Server?

  1. When prompted, log in with your HarvardKey & password

How do I reach the BLAB inbox?

  1. Log in with your HarvardKey.

  2. This should take you straight to the Bergelson Lab inbox.

    1. If it takes you to your personal inbox, click on your initials in the upper righthand corner (same place you would go to sign out of your email account)

    2. Select "Open another mailbox"

    3. Type in "[email protected]" in the empty space and click "Open"

Sending Recruitment Emails

  • Information for sending emails for in-person studies can be found at this Gitbook page

  • Archive an email conversation once you've responded-- let's keep the inbox clean!

  • Check the inbox during every email shift and respond to parents, even if it's not your main study. If there's any uncertainty about what to do, ask the lab manager -- don't just assume someone else will take care of it!

  • Always be sure to:

    • Change all the bold fields to include the appropriate information, then unbold and make the text black

    • Ensure you are using the correct email draft for the study you are recruiting for (especially when sending an Acuity scheduling link!)

    • Proofread the email before sending

    • Categorize the email with the appropriate study tag after sending

    • Make an interaction on the database + edit the eligible tracking sheet

After-Hours Access to Buildings

  • Lab Managers should have granted you access to WJH and Shannon when you start at the lab! If you realize that you don't have building access, please let the lab managers know as soon as possible!

There are so many different lab terms, what do they all mean?

  • Each study has its own acronym. For a comprehensive list of active studies and what they are looking at, see this Gitbook page.

  • For terminology beyond study acronyms, check this Gitbook page.

Oh No! I'm Locked Out of the RA Room!

Here are your different options for getting in the room:

  1. Slack lab managers and they can give you instructions for accessing the lock box with the lab key

  2. Send a message on Slack to ask if anyone is available to let you in

  3. Go to staff/postdoc office (#1160 or #1168) and see if anyone can let you in

  4. Go to the grad student room (# 1118 0r #1120) and see if anyone can let you in

  5. Go down the hall to Dr. B's office (#1170) and knock to see if she can let you in

How do I find the Google Calendar?

  1. Log in with [email protected] and the appropriate password

How do I access the LDS recruiting database?

  1. Open Finder >> Applications >> FileMaker Pro

  2. Log in using your HarvardKey credentials

  3. For instructions on how to use the database, see this Gitbook page.

I missed a shift! What do I do?

  • If you are sick and need to miss your shift, please notify the lab managers! Work together with the lab managers to find time(s) to make up the hours you missed (reading period & weekend appointment are a good time to do so!)

  • If you miss a shift for a medical emergency or religious holiday, you are not required to make up those hours!

Taking Care of Yourself During a Shift

  • In the basement, there are two vending machines to grab a snack or drink! We also have a fridge and microwave open for use in the kitchenette on the 11th floor, especially during a longer shift.

  • Bathrooms are located on either side of the elevators.

  • There is a water fountain next to the men's room on the Thomas lab side of the elevators

  • Be body conscious! If you are not feeling well before or during a shift, err on the side of caution and follow the steps outlined here. Our priority is keeping a healthy and safe environment for young families.

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