Research Scientist Onboarding Checklist

Research Scientist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Research Scientist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Science onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Research Scientist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Research Scientist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Research Scientist Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new research scientist should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its mission, values, organizational structure, and key personnel. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with laboratory facilities: The research scientist should be given a tour of the laboratory facilities, including an overview of the equipment, safety protocols, and any specific procedures or guidelines. This task is usually conducted by a senior scientist or lab manager.

3. Review of research projects: The new scientist should be briefed on the ongoing research projects within the company, including their objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. This task is typically performed by the research team leader or project manager.

4. Introduction to research team members: The new scientist should be introduced to their fellow research team members, including their roles, expertise, and ongoing projects. This task can be facilitated by the research team leader or HR department.

5. Training on company-specific software and tools: The research scientist should receive training on any company-specific software, tools, or databases that are essential for their work. This training is usually provided by the IT department or a designated software trainer.

6. Review of company policies and procedures: The new scientist should be familiarized with the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to safety, ethics, data management, and intellectual property. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated compliance officer.

7. Introduction to research funding and grant applications: The new scientist should be provided with information on the company’s research funding sources, grant application processes, and any ongoing collaborations or partnerships. This task is usually conducted by the research team leader or a designated grants manager.

8. Access to relevant scientific literature and resources: The new scientist should be granted access to scientific journals, databases, and other resources that are necessary for their research. This task is typically facilitated by the company’s library services or research support staff.

9. Mentoring and guidance: The new scientist should be assigned a mentor or senior colleague who can provide guidance, support, and advice throughout their onboarding process and beyond. This task is usually coordinated by the research team leader or HR department.

10. Introduction to company culture and networking opportunities: The new scientist should be encouraged to participate in company-wide events, seminars, and networking opportunities to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and integration into the company culture. This task can be facilitated by the HR department or a designated employee engagement team.

11. Performance expectations and goal setting: The new scientist should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations, key performance indicators, and goal-setting processes. This task is typically discussed and established in collaboration with the research team leader or project manager.

12. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The new scientist should be informed about the company’s commitment to ongoing professional development and provided with information on relevant training programs, conferences, and workshops. This task is usually coordinated by the HR department or a designated professional development team.

13. Introduction to company-specific research protocols: The new scientist should be trained on any company-specific research protocols, methodologies, or techniques that are unique to the organization. This task is typically performed by a senior scientist or research team leader.

14. Collaboration and communication tools: The new scientist should be introduced to the company’s collaboration and communication tools, such as project management software, video conferencing platforms, and internal messaging systems. This task is usually facilitated by the IT department or a designated technology support team.

15. Performance evaluation and feedback processes: The new scientist should be informed about the company’s performance evaluation and feedback processes, including how performance reviews are conducted, who conducts them, and the frequency of feedback sessions. This task is typically discussed and established in collaboration with the research team leader or HR department.

16. Introduction to company-specific research regulations: The new scientist should be educated on any company-specific research regulations, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations. This task is typically performed by a designated compliance officer or research support staff.

17. Integration into cross-functional teams: The new scientist should be integrated into cross-functional teams or interdisciplinary projects, where applicable, to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across different departments or research areas. This task is usually coordinated by the research team leader or project manager.

18. Introduction to company-specific data management practices: The new scientist should be trained on the company’s data management practices, including data storage, security, and sharing protocols. This task is typically performed by a designated data management officer or research support staff.

19. Introduction to company-specific quality control processes: The new scientist should be familiarized with the company’s quality control processes, including how data integrity, accuracy, and reproducibility are ensured. This task is typically performed by a designated quality control officer or research support staff.

20. Introduction to company-specific health and safety protocols: The new scientist should receive training on the company’s health and safety protocols, including emergency procedures, hazardous material handling, and personal protective equipment requirements. This task is typically conducted by a designated safety officer or research support staff

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Research Scientist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Research Scientist up to speed and working well in your Science team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.