Postdocs and Students in 2006

Gut check time: should you stay in academia, on the bench or even quit science?

Personal problems can overwhelm an already stressful young research career, but sound strategies can help you stay the course, counsels Kendall Powell

Science is cut-throat by nature, but how should young scientists handle working on competitive projects — or worse, getting scooped? Kendall Powell investigates how to release the pressure valve.

Morale, money or moving house can all be reasons for switching labs mid-project. Kendall Powell learns from those who have made the jump with success.

Thinking about scientific misconduct before tangling with a real case will help you protect your own career and promote research integrity. Kendall Powell investigates a few case studies.

Is your adviser not the role model or mentor of your dreams? Then take charge of the situation and find the right people. Kendall Powell plays matchmaker. More than one mentor may be necessary for postdocs and graduate students.

Conflict in the laboratory can depress attitudes, dampen prospects or even derail young science careers. Kendall Powell finds out how to resolve issues and stay on track.

Don't stack shelves in the precious break between terms, stack up your lab experience. Hannah Hoag studies the world of the summer intern.