VBRI’s Shared Resources comprise state-of-art instrumentation and scientific staff maintaining this instrumentation, providing training, consultation, assistance with conduct of scientific experiments, and access to specific procedures, reagents and services. The VBRI’s Shared Resource staff are highly trained scientists who collaborate with users and their contributions should be acknowledged as appropriate in publications and presentations just like any other scientific collaborator.

All self-service users are required to be trained on instruments by VBRI staff prior to first use. Generally, we will not supply consumables or provide laboratory space for experiments associated with self-service instruments. Self-service users agree to abide by additional specific use policies of the individual instruments. Self-service users are expected to follow established protocols for instrument use, including start up and shutdown procedures. Users leaving instruments in untidy or unusable conditions may be denied further access. Customers may not allow untrained users access to any shared instruments. Violation of this policy may result in suspension of access to all shared instruments.

Self-service users must create an instrument reservation in iLabs prior to arrival. Self-service users who do not arrive for their reservation within allowed start time or who exceed their reservation time may be billed for the maximum combined time. Frequent non-arrivals may result in revoked instrument access.

Users are responsible for the safe transfer and handling of biological specimens, reagents or chemicals to and from the VBRI. Analysis of samples on VBRI instruments is limited to all biological samples that meet BSL-2 level or below. Customers are responsible for supplying and wearing required personal protection equipment including gloves and lab coats and for proper disposal of biohazardous waste and workspace cleaning and decontamination. Eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, applying cosmetics and storing food for human consumption is not permitted in any VBRI laboratory space. When working in any VBRI laboratory, full-coverage shoes constructed of sturdy material must be worn at all times. Open-toed shoes or sandals are not allowed in any VBRI laboratory. Overly loose clothing should not be worn in the core laboratory space.