Advice for changing labs during a PhD

You’ve already taken a healthy first step by identifying one of your key goals: maintaining good professional relationships, no matter what path you choose. By using skills you already have as a scientist—gathering data, solving problems and finding constructive ways to address difficult situations—you may be able to reimagine your place within your department or institution.

Nature spoke with current and former graduate students, ombudspersons, academic leaders from research institutions and career counselors for doctoral students about how to decide whether and how to change labs during a PhD.

Define your goals before leaving your PhD lab

Jennifer Polk, a career counselor based in Toronto, Canada, who advises doctoral students pursuing careers outside academia, says students should “give themselves the grace they need” to define—and perhaps redefine—their goals. What you hoped for at the start of your PhD may change as the realities of day-to-day research become clearer.

“The more clear you are about what you want, the better,” Polk says.

Start by identifying what is not working. Is the problem your research topic, your advisor’s leadership style, the lab culture, a lack of guidance or a combination of factors? Understanding the source of the problem can help you determine whether you need a new project, a co-supervisor, a different lab or a broader change in your graduate programme.

Your institution’s ombudsperson’s office may be a good place to begin an informal and confidential conversation about difficulties with your advisor. Many institutions in the United States and elsewhere have similar personnel who help resolve disputes.

Katrin Jourdan, head of research at Dresden University of Technology in Germany, says German universities provide graduate students with “trustworthy people” who can offer support.

“These advisors are available to early-career researchers,” Jourdan says. “If the student says, ‘Okay, I’m unhappy,’ we can try to mediate and facilitate the switch if possible.”

Other potential sources of support include trusted members of your dissertation committee and your institution’s office for graduate guidance.

Consider your options before changing advisors

Changing labs is not the only possible solution. If the problem is primarily scientific—for example, your research interests have changed—you may be able to transfer to another lab while keeping your current supervisor on your dissertation committee.

You could also request a co-supervisor if you do not already have one. A co-supervisor might help change the focus of your project or provide additional support while allowing you to retain some continuity in your PhD.

Ellen Goldstein, director of the Ombuds Office at the University of California, San Francisco, says that ombudspersons often discuss the possibility of having multiple leaders with students in both formal and informal settings.

“It’s actually good because you get to learn about different styles of leadership,” Goldstein says. “You get to learn about different types of science and learn about different perspectives.”

Weigh the effect on funding and graduation

Another option may be to focus on completing your degree sooner, particularly if you have already completed much of your graduate work or cannot secure funding to change labs.

A former graduate student whose supervisor had won a Nobel Prize described a highly competitive lab culture that left little time for anything other than research. She said she did not have “a competitive bone” in her body, but immersed herself deeply in her project. Although she was apprehensive about leaving, she spoke with her mentor about the work she would need to complete to earn her degree. Her mentor agreed to listen and understand what she needed to do to graduate.

Funding and timing should be discussed early. If existing funding cannot be transferred, a potential new advisor will need enough financial support to take you on. This may limit your options for moving between labs.

You should also consider whether your research can be transferred. If it cannot, changing labs may extend the time needed to graduate. That delay may nevertheless be worthwhile if it allows you to gain the research experience and training you want from your graduate studies.

Handle interpersonal problems carefully

Changing labs can become more complicated when the reason for leaving involves interpersonal friction. It is natural to worry about retaliation, damaged relationships and the loss of professional support.

Shirley Nakata, a student ombudsperson at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, emphasizes that advisors, ombudspersons and dissertation committee members can help guide students through the process. At the same time, students should be realistic about the power imbalance in their relationship with an advisor.

“You’re not going to change a star PI’s behavior,” Nakata says.

That may mean taking a cautious approach to difficult interpersonal issues. Confidential advice from an ombudsperson or another trusted university official can help you understand your options before you raise the issue directly with your PI.

Plan important conversations about changing labs

Communicate clearly with your PI and focus conversations on goals that could benefit both of you. Before approaching your current advisor, identify potential new advisors and discuss the possibility of moving with them carefully.

When evaluating a new lab, consider whether the advisor’s research interests, mentoring style and expectations fit your skills and work style. You should also discuss funding, project ownership, committee membership and the likely effect on your graduation timeline.

If you decide to speak with your current advisor, be thoughtful and honest. Polk recommends approaching the conversation with curiosity and an open mind rather than beginning with accusations or blame.

Changing labs during a PhD can be difficult, but it is not necessarily a failure. With careful planning, confidential advice and clear communication, you may be able to find a research environment that better supports your goals while protecting your professional relationships.