Published online 10 September 2008
Postdoc journal
Job transplant
Jon Yearsley
Jon Yearsley is a senior postdoc in evolutionary genetics at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.
I loathe the uprooting – but I look forward to the replanting.
I'm uprooting myself, and uprooting requires digging. This month I've made academic discoveries not worthy of publication, such as the pile of important papers I put aside to read at the start of my postdoc, or the helpfully underlined answers in a page of neat algebra (if only I still had the questions). These will not be accompanying me to my new position at University College Dublin.
It's undesirable but unavoidable. Uprooting causes root damage. Once more I'm removing myself from a network of friends and familiar surroundings. I'm going to be replacing tangible, face-to-face collaborations with remote working relationships and all the problems they bring. The advice of trusted colleagues will no longer be down the corridor, and my ex-student cannot stroll down the hall to consult me. I am making myself peripheral to my current work circles.
Uprooting is followed, of course, by replanting in a carefully chosen, fertile location. I'm taking a new post in a hitherto undeveloped area for my new department. It's exciting and challenging. I'll need to develop joint projects and nurture connections with other research groups. And all this in the luxury of my native tongue, making communication a little bit easier and my partner's job prospects more promising. With a bit more careful digging, her roots will be ready to join mine. I think the prognosis for this transplant is good.
Postdoc Journal Keepers 2008
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Jon YearsleyJon Yearsley is a senior postdoc in evolutionary genetics at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.
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Zachary LippmanZachary Lippman is a postdoctoral fellow at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's faculty of agriculture.
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Amanda GohAmanda Goh is a postdoctoral fellow in cell biology under the Agency of Science, Technology and Research in Singapore.
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Aliza le RouxAliza le Roux is a postdoctoral fellow in animal behaviour at the University of Michigan.
