It is normal to deal with difficult situations during PhD studies. Students and their advisors can set themselves up for success and minimize potential challenges with foreknowledge and by making expectations and workflows explicit.
Formal onboarding materials help to introduce new undergraduate researchers to a specific laboratory and the broader culture of the field. Research faculty members should be supported and encouraged to create these materials.
Digital archivists are already experts at tackling the complex challenges of making research data open and accessible. We can help to smooth the transition.
From designing studies and translating science to technical services, the work of support staff is highly diverse — and it needs merit systems to match.