Training

Somehow I got stuck training the new technician in our group. I'm fucking thrilled.

This was my first opportunity to teach someone in a lab setting. I've been schooled by some great people, and some fucking asshole douchebags, so I really wanted to pass on the tradition of a really good lab experience. Quite honestly, I almost left science because of the asshole teachers. So this was not a trivial thing that was set before me.

I've been training this person for two weeks. I had absolutely no idea how much time it was going to take. While I realize that not everyone is a genius, I did have a certain expectation of someone with a bachelor's degree in science. It is startling, to say the least. I've had to practically babysit Techie for the entire two weeks. My project is swirling around in the toilet, in shit purgatory, while I'm holding the tech's hand. Fuck.

We work with viruses in cell culture. Naturally, this means that we must be all anal about sterility. I have had to repeat this over and over and over and over. It's not getting through. The most fundamental rule of the lab is not getting through. I was amazed that I had to remind Techie, many times, about the importance of changing pipet tips after they have been used. Ok, so I've been working in labs for a handful of years now, but she watched me change tips. She's seen me do it. One reminder should be enough, people.

Imagine you're scooping up a vat of feces and hauling it around by truck. Would someone have to remind you to wash your hands before you got in the cabin? No. Do you use the same knife that you used to slice raw chicken when you go to chop your vegetables? No. This is not rocket science.

I had such high hopes, but Techie couldn't even make cell culture media. I think I'm going to lose it.