Training philosophy:

The Giessen Lab training philosophy is comprised of several key tenets which we apply to all graduate and postdoctoral researchers in the lab:

1. Training should involve multidisciplinary components. This can be realized at the project level (e.g. basic vs engineering) or through specific scientific approaches, techniques, or collaborations. Trainees should in the end be versed in multiple scientific areas including protein biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, microbiology, or synthetic biology.

2. All new trainees will have the opportunity to: (a) hone written and oral communication skills by writing paper drafts and fellowships and giving seminars; (b) network with colleagues and potential future mentors and employers at meetings; (c) develop critical thinking skills by participating in lab meetings and helping to review manuscripts and grants; and (d) foster time management and team skills by simultaneously pushing forward multiple projects including contributing to the work of others in the lab.

3. Trainees are engaged in multiple simultaneous lines of investigation, and in some cases are pursuing disparate projects that foster breadth and depth of knowledge and skills. Trainees will have to take primary ownership of ideally two distinct research projects. All trainees are encouraged to pursue both basic science and applied or engineering-focused projects.

4. We aim to strike a balance between providing regular guidance during our weekly lab meetings and biweekly one-on-one meetings while encouraging the development of independent thinking and ideas by trainees.

The Giessen Lab looks forward to future opportunities to mentor aspiring young scientists pursuing research careers at the interface of chemistry, biology, and engineering. We place high value on scientific excellence and collaboration.