there are so so many lovely kind mentors out there who really do want the best for you. however, my advice for anyone looking at a new lab:
1. ask every junior person if they have any interpersonal issues or if they have heard of any issues
2. ask them what their day to day looks like - micromanaging from the PI, competition within the lab, supply issues, etc are all red flags. hear people when they say something small that you could overlook (e.g. "oh yeah we are expected to work 80 hours a week but its fine!", "my PI can be a little intense but its fine!") -- this usually points to deeper issues.
3. directly ask about any harassment problems to the lab managers and junior people if you feel comfortable. its very easy for harassers to hide in these big institutions and you don't want to be stuck with one.
4. ask your current PI - oftentimes there will be gossip networks and your PI will be aware of issues and can steer you away from bad actors.
1. ask every junior person if they have any interpersonal issues or if they have heard of any issues
2. ask them what their day to day looks like - micromanaging from the PI, competition within the lab, supply issues, etc are all red flags. hear people when they say something small that you could overlook (e.g. "oh yeah we are expected to work 80 hours a week but its fine!", "my PI can be a little intense but its fine!") -- this usually points to deeper issues.
3. directly ask about any harassment problems to the lab managers and junior people if you feel comfortable. its very easy for harassers to hide in these big institutions and you don't want to be stuck with one.
4. ask your current PI - oftentimes there will be gossip networks and your PI will be aware of issues and can steer you away from bad actors.