#  Rotations and Joining a Lab 

 



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Laboratory rotations provide an excellent opportunity for students to explore a variety of scientific environments to find the one that best fits a student’s interests for pursuing dissertation research. Rotations offer a unique source of experiential training in different experimental models, approaches, and technologies. Additionally, students can identify the features of laboratory life they enjoy and thrive in, such as mentorship style and lab culture.



 

##  Rotation Requirements 

Students in the BBS program are required to complete rotations in at least three different laboratories during their first year. Each rotation must last a minimum of 8 weeks and may not exceed 12 weeks. Additionally, the interval between rotations should be no longer than 3 weeks.

- Rotations can begin as early as August 17 but by no later than October 15 of the G1 fall semester.
- The first rotation should be completed by the end of December of the G1 fall semester.
- **Rotations are strictly limited to faculty appointed in a** [**HILS program**](https://portal.my.harvard.edu/psp/hrvihprd/EMPLOYEE/EMPL/h/?tab=HU_INS_SEARCH&SearchReqJSON=%7B%22PageNumber%22%3A1%2C%22PageSize%22%3A%22%22%2C%22SortOrder%22%3A%5B%22LAST_NAME%22%5D%2C%22Facets%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22Category%22%3A%22HU_INSTR_MAIN_SEARCH%22%2C%22SearchPropertiesInResults%22%3Atrue%2C%22FacetsInResults%22%3Atrue%2C%22SaveRecent%22%3Atrue%2C%22TopN%22%3A%22%22%2C%22SearchText%22%3A%22*%22%7D) *(keep the \* and search by name in the Harvard login-protected HILS database)* and their primary faculty appointment is at Harvard.
- Co-mentorship is allowed with permission of the BBS Program Directors. Both co-mentors must be HILS members.
- A student cannot begin a rotation without first submitting a rotation registration form in my.harvard. If you have questions about this process, please contact [Anne O’Shea](mailto:anne_oshea@hms.harvard.edu).
- Students who worked in a lab before joining BBS must complete two new lab rotations before returning to that lab for a rotation.
- All rotations should be added to the crimson cart via BBS 333r for a minimum of 4/6/8 credits for the fall semester and 4/6/8 credits for the spring semester of G1. To receive credit for BBS 333r, both rotation registration and evaluation forms must be completed.



 

##  Declaring a Lab 

Students will select their dissertation advisor and laboratory by **June 30 of their first year**. The faculty member that directs the lab will be their primary mentor for the remainder of their graduate training. Students must declare their thesis lab via [**my.harvard**](https://my.harvard.edu/). Please refer to the Lab Declaration Instructions under Resources below.



 

##  Tips for Selecting a Lab 

When searching for a mentor who fits your needs, start by clarifying your own research interests and long-term career goals. Begin by researching potential mentors thoroughly—explore their publications, research areas, leadership style, and the kind of environment they foster in their lab. It’s helpful to reach out to current and former students to get honest perspectives on what it’s like to work with that PI. When meeting with potential mentors, ask specific questions about their expectations, lab dynamics, communication practices, and how they support their students’ development. As you weigh your options, consider how well each mentor’s style aligns with your preferences for communication, supervision, and collaboration. Remember, choosing a mentor is a major decision, so take your time and ensure your choice is well-informed and thoughtful.



 

##  Resources 

 



 [ Rotation Guidelines arrow\_circle\_right ](/resource/rotation-guidelines-2026-27) [ Rotation Registration Instructions arrow\_circle\_right ](/resource/rotation-registration-instructions) [ Faculty Evaluation Instructions arrow\_circle\_right ](/resource/faculty-evaluation-form-instructions) [ Lab Declaration Instructions arrow\_circle\_right ](/resource/declaring-lab-instructions) 

 

 

 

 

##  Rotations & Lab Declaration Questions 

 



  [### Anne O'Shea

 ](/people/anne-oshea) [anne\_oshea@hms.harvard.edu](mailto:anne_oshea@hms.harvard.edu)Program Administrator, Biological & Biomedical Sciences (BBS)

 

 

 

      ![Anne O'Shea](/sites/g/files/omnuum5321/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/bbsphd/files/oshea_anne_1.jpg?h=fbaab039&itok=hSbK0Zrf)