Episode CVI: This Is My Work

People often ask me, "What exactly do you do where you work?" I intend not to answer that question in this post. But I will give you an idea of what my work environment is like.

 

The Building

First of all, the building I work in is very cool. It is a modern structure at the northern tip of Harvard. It is built largely of glass and steel, with wood accents, large open spaces and a very techy feel. It is not often that one is compelled to take pictures of one's workplace, but I have been compelled to do so many times in the last few months. Here are a few representative photos of the space.

 

All spaces are shared spaces in this building. We have communal lab space, kitchen space (fully equipped, including toaster ovens and dishwashers), and space for ping-pong and foosball.

 

I am a particular fan of the furniture choices they have made for the building, especially the sleek red couches and chairs that contrast nicely with the stark steel-and-concrete-and-glass building.

And finally, there is a very nice view of downtown Boston from our floor.

The Lab

I work in a fairly small lab, which has varied from 2 to 6 people throughout my short tenure. It is also a new lab, having existed for only a few months before I began my postdoctoral position here. Also, my 'boss' (a.k.a. Principal Investigator in science-speak) is young. In fact, he is only about a year-and-a-half older than me. But he is also a rising star, it would seem. In fact, Forbes targeted him as one of the 'Top 30 Under 30" in science. You can read their blurb about him here.

As many of you know, my wife has been working in the same lab as me for a month or so now. It's kind of like the good old days, back when we first met in the lab. We take lunch breaks together, I help her find reagents in the lab, and we have lots of opportunities to kiss.

Postscript

I am afraid my tenure as owner of the excellent vehicle known as Trusty Rusty is nearing an end. Since being married and moving to Boston, he has been used very sparingly. Indeed, I didn't even start him a single time during the winter. Moreover, the new condo we are planning to move into does not have off-street parking, and as such, I am afraid I am going to have to let him go.

Having said that, does anyone have any interest in a 26-year-old truck with only 106,000 miles on it? It has been my faithful sidekick for many many years, and I would be happy to see it end up in a good home. If I don't hand it off to anyone I know, it'll probably end up going to someone on Craigslist or a used dealer.

[Available immediately! - Dependable, hard-working, long-lasting truck - needs a good home]