IVR Molecular Ophthalmology Laboratory
Staff Performance Expectations

A good staff member is:

MOTIVATED

Has some defined personal and professional goals
Understands and believes in the lab’s goals
Looks for ways to align their individual goals with the lab’s goals
Knows that an individual can make a difference by developing clear plans and executing them

INQUISITIVE

Actively seeks to understand their projects and the relevant techniques and willingly shares this knowledge with others
Is open to learning new techniques and accepting new responsibilities
Understands that a person who is not growing intellectually, is dying
Is willing to reveal that they don’t know something by asking a question

ENTHUSIASTIC

Exhibits enthusiasm for their projects, the work of their co-workers and the field of vision research in general
Shows initiative – is a self-starter

OPTIMISTIC

Maintains and displays a realistic positive attitude
Believes that the lab will succeed in making a difference for people with blinding diseases

OPEN MINDED

Is willing to consider new approaches
Recognizes that each member of the team is capable and valuable
Understands that diversity of temperament, personal experience and style is a significant and desirable strength for the lab

POLITE

Is careful to avoid words or actions that would make a co-worker feel intimidated, uncomfortable, or out of place
Recognizes that whispered conversations and closed doors are divisive
Understands that body language can be just as effective or objectionable as spoken language
Obeys the “golden rule” in everything that they do

PROFESSIONAL

Does not take differences of opinion personally nor remember such differences after they have been resolved
Strives for stability and predictability in interpersonal interactions

APPRECIATIVE

Recognizes the cumulative nature of research and the value of other contributions to the project
Has a perspective of privilege for the responsibility that has been entrusted to them by their supervisors, coworkers, patients, and donors

ORGANIZED AND EFFICIENT

Understands the value of careful planning and using every minute to good advantage

DISCIPLINED

Knows that a successful person does what the unsuccessful one won’t

RESPONSIBLE

Tries hard to have an experiment work but if it doesn’t work, does not blame others for the outcome
Reports mistakes promptly so that the damage can be minimized
Seeks guidance when problems develop
Replenishes supplies, shares space and instruments fairly

A TEAM PLAYER

Looks for ways to help co-workers on a daily basis
Keeps lab director informed of career plans
Follows existing laboratory protocols closely except when they are being systematically revised
Is willing to accept roles suggested by the lab director

AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR

Actively participates in lab meetings
Accepts and gives advice constructively
Brings problems and concerns to attention promptly so that they do not grow into larger ones
Interacts positively with all co-workers
Recognizes that others will need to be able to interpret their lab book entries years after they are made

DEPENDABLE

Can be relied upon to do AT LEAST their share of the lab’s work

CAREFUL

100% accuracy is the daily goal -- patients and collaborators are counting on it
Is skeptical of all results (especially their own) and understands that a valid “negative result” is much more valuable than a questionable “positive” one

PUNCTUAL

Works 8:00-5:00
Limits lunch to an hour
Arranges breaks around the work – not the reverse

MINDFUL OF UNIVERSITY WORK RULES

Does not conduct personal business during work hours
Limits sick time and unscheduled vacation time