I switched to a new research group and dissertation project in the 5th year of my basic biomedical research PhD. Three years later I graduated with multiple first authored papers and a much improved resume that included a teaching fellowship. I went on to complete a successful fellowship-funded postdoc in a well-known and respected lab before transitioning into my chosen career. Switching dissertation groups late in my PhD was the best move to make in my situation, and making the switch successfully required some luck and some careful planning. Below are some actions I took that contributed to my success.

Understand the terms

Switching research groups as a graduate student involves several considerations related to employment terms and conditions. Begin by gathering detailed information about your current situation and potential alternative setups. Your graduate program coordinator is a valuable resource where you can confidentially seek advice regarding funding, visas, and university policies.

Various funding mechanisms support graduate students, including stipends and tuition payments. Some funding is individually linked and may be transferable to a new lab, while others are tied to specific projects or grants and typically are not. You need to know how you are funded, and whether and how to transfer those funds if you switch groups. Visa considerations are also important. Visa types vary in flexibility; some may require a new visa for a job switch, while others are more accommodating. Contact your international student center to clarify how your visa status affects your ability to switch labs or fund your studies. Finally, familiarize yourself with both university and departmental graduation requirements. Your graduate program coordinator can help you navigate departmental policies, especially if considering a switch to a different department. Carefully assess whether you will need to retake exams, take new courses, or assume additional responsibilities in a new lab.

Clarify your goals and expectations

You know you want to leave your current group, but are you certain you want to start over in a new lab? Given how specialized most research projects are, it is very unlikely that you will be able to bring your current research project with you. As a result, you’ll likely need to start a new project if you join a new group. This can considerably extend your time to graduation, and is worth thinking carefully about. You must be certain that completing a PhD is a necessary and required step towards your professional goals, and that you wish to take that step right now, at your current institution.

Reach out

Switching labs is an emotionally draining process. There are many difficult conversations that must be had with individuals that you may or may not have the best history with. There is also often pressure to just stay the course, and correct any issues at your next career step. You need to be able to respond, in a calm and logical way, to all these questions while going through the life upheaval that switching labs entails. Bringing in trusted family and friends, and explicitly clarifying whether you are asking them for advice or just support, will greatly aid in your transition.

Acknowledge all outcomes

There are a variety of reasons why a different research group may be reluctant or unable to take you into their lab. Sometimes these reasons are financial. It’s also possible that a given PI might be at their limit for the number of people that they can mentor effectively, or simply might not have enough bench space in their lab. There also can be department politics involved. You might leave your current group and be unable to find a new one to host you. Understanding what happens in this case is valuable knowledge to have.

Find a new group

When you speak to new faculty members about joining their group, present both the scientific reason why you want to join them, and the operational aspects that switching over to their group would require. Research their work well and be ready to explain what techniques, knowledge, or other skills you could bring with you to support their research goals. If you are funded by a fellowship, be able to state how much funding is provided by the fellowship, what the process for transferring the fellowship will be, and any other administrative requirements. Have contact information for staff members that can help. Be ready to clearly explain why you are switching groups, and why you think the problem that led to you switching will not reoccur in the new group. If they seem hesitant, you can ask if they are open to you joining on a trial basis- for example, the length of a standard rotation, or academic quarter or semester. It gives you more time to show how directly valuable you can be to the group, and it gives you time to determine if you enjoy working with them.

Move forward with grace

Science is a small world, and though it might be difficult, do your best to leave your current group on the best terms possible. Tie up any projects that you can given your timeline. Make sure your data and reagents are clearly labeled and accessible, and that people know where and how to find them. Leave clear and complete contact information. Be ready to assist whoever is taking over your work to ensure a smooth transition. Minimize however you can negative consequences to others that will happen from your departure.

Conclusion

Switching research groups is a major undertaking, but when done with care and consideration, can be very beneficial. Taking the time to clarify goals, limitations, expectations, and administrative processes will facilitate the process and improve your chances of success.