Research Resources

In addition to each faculty member’s individual research space and instrumentation, provides core laboratory space, instrumentation, and services essential to nurturing interdisciplinary, applied research. Shared instrumentation within KGI is accessible to all researchers working at KGI. Laboratory oversight, equipment maintenance, and user training is provided through the Laboratory Safety Manager. Please email core_research_facility@kgi.edu to report any equipment failure or request a training.

Shared Instrumentation List

Reserve Shared Equipment

Rules: All users must reserve shared equipment in advance through KGI outlook calendar or with Laboratory Safety Manager. Reservations will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority may be given to essential or critical operations as determined by management. Users must specify the duration of equipment usage at the time of reservation. Extensions may be granted based on availability and approval from the equipment manager. Users should cancel reservations promptly if the equipment is no longer needed. Users must adhere to all safety protocols, operating guidelines, and maintenance procedures outlined for the equipment. Users are responsible for cleaning equipment after use and reporting any maintenance issues promptly. Any changes to reservations or unexpected delays must be communicated to relevant parties in a timely manner.

Instructions to reserve shared equipment

Equipment Maintenance and Repair

There are generally two options for equipment maintenance plans: service contract or self-insuring. The following equipment is covered under service contract, which include regular preventive maintenance, calibration and possibly repairs.

• -80C freezers
• Autoclaves
• C6 plus flow cytometer
• Nanopure water system
• LC96 PCR

For equipment that is less likely to require major repairs or regular maintenance, we enlist the expertise of outside service companies for repairs. If you encounter any issues with our shared equipment, please send an email to core_research_facility@kgi.edu with the equipment name, model number, serial number, and a detailed description of the problem. Our Laboratory Safety Manager will then coordinate with our service companies to schedule a repair service promptly.

If you encounter problems with your lab equipment, you can reach out to the service companies directly or contact the Laboratory Safety Manager if you need additional assistance.

Service Companies

• Technical Safety Services (Fume hoods, Biosafety Cabinets, Autoclave, -80C freezers, ultracentrifuge)
  Phone: 909.923.1988

• Alliance Refrigeration (Refrigerator/Freezers)
  Phone: 909.869.8660

• Southern California Scientific (Centrifuge)
  Phone: 714.939.1168

• Scientific Services Plus (Ice Maker, Incubator, Shaker)
  Phone: 877.522.5421

• Prime Optix (Microscopes except confocal microscope)
  Phone: 866.800.9797

Research Infrastructure Committee (RIC)

The Research and Infrastructure Committee (RIC) is an All-KGI Committee. It is responsible for making recommendations on how research space, equipment and infrastructure budget are allocated. All research equipment and research space decisions are discussed and voted on by the RIC. If a majority vote cannot be achieved by the RIC, the Chair will inform the Dean of Research of the inability of the RIC to make a majority recommendation. The Dean of Research will then present the issue to the executive cabinet for further actions.

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) ensures the safe handling and use of biological materials in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The IBC oversees research and teaching activities involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids, infectious agents, and other biohazardous materials, ensuring that biosafety measures are implemented to protect researchers, the environment, and the public. All projects involving BSL2 biological materials must be registered and approved by the IBC before initiation.

Researchers seeking approval can refer to the IBC Charter for a detailed outline of the committee’s responsibilities and scope. The IBC Application Form can be accessed here and should be submitted via email to jyu@kgi.edu. For additional questions or guidance, please contact Jasmine Yu, the Laboratory Safety Manager and Committee Chair, at jyu@kgi.edu.

New Lab Employee

As a new member of our research team, it’s essential that you follow the onboarding process and checklist to ensure a smooth and safe start in the lab. Below are the key steps you need to complete before beginning your work:

1. Onboarding Process:
   • Welcome Package: You will receive a welcome package that includes important information, including the onboarding checklist.
   • Research Orientation: Attend the orientation session, where the onboarding checklist and essential lab policies will be discussed.
   • Email Notifications: Human Resources and your Principal Investigator (PI) will notify our Laboratory Safety Manager (LSM) about your onboarding. You will receive relevant information to guide you through the process.
2. Training and Certifications:
   • Training Completion: You must complete all required safety training on CITIprogram.org before starting any lab work. The completion certificates will be kept on file.
   • Orientation and Facility Tour: The LSM will coordinate a research orientation and facility tour, introducing you to safety protocols, shared equipment, and lab-specific procedures.
3. Safety and Compliance:
   • Risk Assessment: Complete the necessary risk assessments, such as the medical surveillance form and the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) assessment for your lab.
   • Specialized Biosafety Training: If your work involves biohazardous agents, recombinant DNA (rDNA), or toxins, ensure you complete biosafety training and submit the appropriate protocols for approval before beginning your research.

These steps are crucial to ensure your safety and compliance with KGI’s standards. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Jasmine Yu, our Laboratory Safety Manager. We look forward to your contributions and success in the lab!