Finding Laboratory Space

One of my most memorable experiences from my first job with a startup biotech company, was moving our operations to new laboratory facility. As laboratory manager, it was a huge enough task, without factoring in the renovations that the new building required. We installed benches, fumehoods, plumbing and more. We acquired new materials when we had to, and used equipment whereever we could, in order to stay within budget. We learned a lot about Canadian regulations for things like moving radioisotopes and other chemicals, and how the outflow from too many fumehoods can affect a building's air conditioning system.

There is a lot to consider when setting up a new laboratory, whether or not the existing facility has everything you need. You can also expect costs for leasing a laboratory to be much more than for your basic office space, and that's before you do any renovations. Before you lease a laboratory space it's important to make sure you've done your research, and have a well-thought out business plan, with realistic projections of what your needs will be in the future and how fast you expect your company to grow. Trust me, you really want to plan ahead and be sure to not have to move again anytime soon!