The Visiting Researcher Collaboratorium (VRC)
The Visiting Researcher Collaboratory (VRC) is a 1100 sq. ft. facility renovated in 2023 with support from the NSF Field Station and Marine Laboratory program. The goal of VRC is to provide improved high-quality laboratory space to visiting researchers conducting scientific research at FLBS.
The Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) is a Center of Excellence and administrative unit within the University of Montana system. We are an ecological research and education center located on Flathead Lake in the Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park. For over 125 years, we have conducted college courses, graduate programs, and research focused on the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. Students and researchers from around the world continue to come to FLBS to learn about ecology and limnology from experts in the field. We conduct novel research year-round to help people live in a healthy, sustainable environment and help policy-makers make informed decisions.
The Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) is a Center of Excellence and administrative unit within the University of Montana system. We are an ecological research and education center located on Flathead Lake in the Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park. For over 125 years, we have conducted college courses, graduate programs, and research focused on the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. Students and researchers from around the world continue to come to FLBS to learn about ecology and limnology from experts in the field. We conduct novel research year-round to help people live in a healthy, sustainable environment and help policy-makers make informed decisions.
Rental Spaces
Three types of workspaces are available for rent within the VRC. Each bench space has one spot for an under-counter chair and cabinet storage space. All workspaces have access to one of the lab's dual basin sinks.
*Users are responsible for costs to repair or replace misused or damaged equipment or infrastructure.*
*Users are responsible for costs to repair or replace misused or damaged equipment or infrastructure.*
Fees
The following spaces have fee schedules for both UMT / non-UMT affiliated research:
- 6’ Bench Space ($35 / $50 per day)
- 11’ Bench Space ($65 / $95 per day)
- 4’x8’ Table ($90 / $130 per day)
Laboratory A
Laboratory B
Rental Features
Bench Space: All lab benches are 36” high and 24” deep with chemical-resistant surfaces.
Safety: We have fume hoods, lab coats, and safety glasses available for use. The lab is equipped with an eye wash station and an emergency shower. All users must complete UM laboratory safety training prior to accessing the lab.
Water: The VRC has a deionized water source.
Power: Each workspace has multiple 120v outlets including outlets connected to backup generator power.
Sinks: There are four, 31” double basin sinks.
Bathroom: The lab is outfitted with an ADA-approved restroom.
Internet: The VRC offers fast (100Mb+) Wi-Fi for visiting researchers.
Waste Management: All hazardous waste will be handled and disposed of in accordance with the FLBS Chemical Hygiene Plan by FLBS staff. Users will be charged for disposal of unusual wastes or large volumes.
Safety: We have fume hoods, lab coats, and safety glasses available for use. The lab is equipped with an eye wash station and an emergency shower. All users must complete UM laboratory safety training prior to accessing the lab.
Water: The VRC has a deionized water source.
Power: Each workspace has multiple 120v outlets including outlets connected to backup generator power.
Sinks: There are four, 31” double basin sinks.
Bathroom: The lab is outfitted with an ADA-approved restroom.
Internet: The VRC offers fast (100Mb+) Wi-Fi for visiting researchers.
Waste Management: All hazardous waste will be handled and disposed of in accordance with the FLBS Chemical Hygiene Plan by FLBS staff. Users will be charged for disposal of unusual wastes or large volumes.
Included Equipment
The following equipment is available for use by VRC scientists:
- Analytical Balance (Sartorius model CPA124S, 120 g capacity, d = 0.1 mg)
- Assorted glassware (flasks, beakers, graduated cylinders)
- Autoclave
- Dissecting microscope (Wild-Leitz M3C)
- Drying oven
- Fume Hood (2)
- Refrigerator
- Sonicator / waterbath
- Spectrophotometer (Beckman-Coulter DU 800)
- Vacuum pump
- Walk-in Freezer
Not Provided
Common items that we are asked about that we do not provide include:
- Analytical Instrumentation beyond what is listed above
- General lab consumables (e.g. gloves, parafilm, kimwipes, pipettors (and tips), reagents / solvents)
- Ultra-low (-80° C) freezer
- Incubator / environmental chambers
- Muffle furnace
- Laptops/computers
- Professional consulting
Contact Us
For more information, or to request space availability:
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