Lab Values
How we work
At ECLIPSE Lab, we want to build excellent science and an environment in which people can do their best work over the long term. Research is demanding; our goal is to make it intellectually ambitious, collaborative, and sustainable.
We do not think of lab culture as separate from scientific quality. Clear communication, mutual respect, and intellectual generosity are part of how strong research actually gets done.
1. We are collaborative
The best science is rarely produced in isolation. We want the lab to be a place where people actively help each other think, troubleshoot, and grow.
That means:
- sharing ideas early rather than hiding unfinished work
- helping each other debug code, experiments, and arguments
- treating colleagues as collaborators, not competitors
- giving credit generously and accurately
We value individual initiative, but we want success to feel collective.
2. We communicate clearly and respectfully
Good research depends on good communication — from everyday conversations in the office to group meetings, talks, manuscripts, and outreach.
We want lab members to:
- speak up when they have questions, ideas, or concerns
- listen seriously to others
- give honest but constructive feedback
- write and present with clarity rather than unnecessary complexity
A strong lab is one where people feel heard and where disagreement improves the work instead of becoming personal.
3. We value diversity of background and thought
We believe that excellent science benefits from different perspectives, training paths, and life experiences. A diverse group is not only socially better — it is also intellectually stronger.
We therefore aim to maintain a welcoming environment for people of different:
- national and cultural backgrounds
- gender identities and sexual orientations
- disciplinary paths and research styles
- physical abilities and personal circumstances
We expect all members of the lab to contribute to an atmosphere of respect, fairness, and professionalism.
4. We aim high, but sustainably
We care about ambitious research problems: difficult measurements, hard inverse problems, and methods that can genuinely move microscopy forward. That work requires persistence and seriousness.
But sustained excellence does not come from chaos, burnout, or constant urgency. We want people to do focused, high-quality work with room for rest, family life, and long-term development.
We support a version of academic life that is compatible with being a whole person.
5. We want science to be meaningful and enjoyable
Science is ultimately driven by curiosity. We are here because discovering how nature works — and building tools that let others see more clearly — is exciting.
We want the lab to be a place where people can:
- take ideas seriously without taking themselves too seriously
- enjoy learning new things
- celebrate progress together
- stay connected to the broader purpose of the work
Rigorous science and genuine enthusiasm should go together.
What this means for joining the lab
If you are considering applying, we hope you will see the lab not only as a place to publish strong work, but also as a place to develop as a scientist, colleague, and independent thinker.
If this sounds like the kind of environment in which you would thrive, we would be glad to hear from you.