Culture

We are building a lab environment where people feel safe, welcome, and supported, and where excellent science is grounded in respect, kindness, and shared responsibility. We want the lab to be a place where diverse perspectives are valued, ideas are exchanged openly, and people help one another through both the exciting and challenging parts of research. We care deeply about rigorous and thoughtful science, but we also believe that sustainable work habits, collaboration, and a sense of community are essential for people to thrive over the long term.

Our lab approaches science as a collaborative effort to understand the immune-specific basis of human disease and to build new ways of studying and redirecting immune recognition. We believe that ambitious, discovery-driven science is strongest when it brings together creativity, rigor, and interdisciplinary thinking. We also see science as a public good and believe researchers have a responsibility to communicate clearly, work with integrity, and contribute to a scientific community that is open, generous, and curious.

Mentorship is a central part of life in the Kohlgruber lab. We work closely with each trainee to support scientific growth, build independence, and develop a clear path toward long-term career goals. This includes regular research meetings, structured independent development plan (IDP) discussions, timely feedback on manuscripts, presentations, and applications, and hands-on guidance in both technical and conceptual development. Our goal is for trainees to leave the lab having grown not only as scientists, but also as communicators, mentors, and thoughtful colleagues, with the confidence and skills to pursue a wide range of careers.