Career Paths
Richard
Gardner
The business of academic science
One of the most overlooked aspects of academic science by graduate students and postdocs is the actual cost of conducting science in an academic lab. Before we take a look at what an average molecular biology lab costs to run, it is first best to frame the discussion in terms of running a small busi...
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Wenny
Lin
Aggressive Asian
As an undergraduate, I was once interviewed by a female (Caucasian) professor who exclaimed mid-interview that she’d never before “met such an aggressive Asian woman!” I was flabbergasted by her comment and was not sure how to interpret it.Had I impressed or disappointed her with my goals and ...
Maida
Taylor
Home with the flu (or something like it)
This month I am living in a plague house. Someone should mark the door posts. Or fly a yellow quarantine flag over the house. My son came home from Singapore, where he is working for a start up, but he did not bring home some exotic communicable disease like the Hong Kong flu. No, ...
Christine
Crumbley
2011: The Year of Scandals and Retractions
I read the news online daily and follow several science news organizations on Twitter. I’ve really enjoyed Nature News & Comments’ focus on retractions this year. I’ve learned a lot about the causes for retractions and the frequency of such events. An article with some really informative g...
Christine
Crumbley
Working Holidays & Resolutions
As a graduate student, it seems there is always work to do on holiday breaks. Last year, I only took a couple days off to spend with my family because I had to return to the lab to finish the suggested experiments for a publication. It was strange being in the lab because there were only a few peopl...
Wenny
Lin
Gifts and parties at the government
My roommate recently regaled me with tales from her pharmaceutical company’s holiday party, complete with lots of food and booze and entertainment. I was rather envious at the time because I was busy making baked goods for my office’s potluck holiday party.
Jennifer
Reineke Pohlhaus
How to earn $4500 while preparing for your future career
No, this is not one of those infomercials… you can actually get real-world experience and get paid for it! No gimmicks – just an application process.
Kate
Sleeth
Very Superstitious
While I am a very practical and logical person (well, aren’t all scientists?!). There is one area where I am a little quirky. There are certain experiments where I am very superstitious, and I will always adhere to it so I don’t jinx the whole thing!
Jennifer
Reineke Pohlhaus
The Secret to Career Planning
I found this graphic on Simon Kemp’s Google + page recently and it is fantastic. He calls it “career planning in 60 seconds” and I think he is right. You can easily place your current job on the Venn diagram and figure out what tweaks you need to get to the #WIN. I’m happy to rep...
Richard
Gardner
Academic networking, a key step in your career.
One of the most overlooked aspects of career development by postdocs and grad students is networking. In business, effective networking is absolutely essential for developing the trust and relationships that can open up new opportunities. When you are recommended by someone whose opinion I trust, th...