Article archive
Prospects
Published on 3 July 2008
Surveys on careers in academia get mixed interpretations.
Benefits blues
Published on 3 July 2008
As much of the developed world moves to recognize same-sex relationships, gay scientists in some places are swimming against a conservative tide that limits partners' rights. Bryn Nelson reports
Sudhansu K. Dey, director of Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation
Published on 3 July 2008
Reproductive-sciences researcher has made it big since a tough move to the United States.
Shock physics
Published on 3 July 2008
Shock physics gets a funding jolt.
Getting people to talk
Published on 3 July 2008
Lab meetings are great. But getting people to participate can be difficult.
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 2 July 2008
Prospects
Published on 25 June 2008
Pruning the prickly path to industry.
James Halpert, Associate Dean for Scientific Affairs, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego
Published on 25 June 2008
Biochemist dares to take on new challenge.
Postdoc competencies
Published on 25 June 2008
The making of postdoc 'core competencies'.
Cool and collected
Published on 25 June 2008
Mouth-watering T-bone dreams.
Highlight on Spain
Published on 18 June 2008
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 18 June 2008
Taking the industry road
Published on 18 June 2008
Robin Mejia reports on the perils and opportunities of doing scientific work that is funded by private companies.
Correction
Published on 18 June 2008
Neil Turok, executive director, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Published on 18 June 2008
Noted physicist Neil Turok heads to Canada.
The hunt for new US drug regulators
Published on 18 June 2008
FDA initiates major hiring wave.
I'm an alien
Published on 18 June 2008
Finding refuge in my science.
Prospects
Published on 11 June 2008
US universities may have to chip in more for researchers' salaries.
Cato Laurencin, vice-president for health affairs, University of Connecticut Health Center, and dean, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington
Published on 11 June 2008
Cato Laurencin brings medicine and engineering expertise to his new post.
A route to postdoc diversity
Published on 11 June 2008
Postdoc diversity programme shows signs of success.
Winning a plant campaign
Published on 11 June 2008
Going to battle, with vegetables.
Opportunities The National Institutes of Health
Published on 4 June 2008
Highlight on Spain
Published on 4 June 2008
Spotlight on Alabama
Published on 4 June 2008
Prospects
Published on 4 June 2008
Europe aims for more flexibility and job security for researchers.
Beyond rocket science
Published on 4 June 2008
Huntsville, Alabama, the original home of NASA and of military weapons development, makes a move into biology. Paul Smaglik reports from Rocket City.
Prospects
Published on 28 May 2008
Contemplating the contributions of, and discrimination against, scientists who are senior citizens.
Larry McKinney, director, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, Texas
Published on 28 May 2008
Oceanographer heads to an institute in the Gulf of Mexico to look after America's third coast.
The softer side of science
Published on 28 May 2008
Mastering soft skills helps master one's career.
Singapore's happiest person
Published on 28 May 2008
Aspiring to emulate Singapore's happiest person.
Spotlight on Alabama
Published on 21 May 2008
Highlight on Spain
Published on 21 May 2008
Prospects
Published on 21 May 2008
Energy-related jobs could be on the rise for years to come.
Westernizing Eastern-bloc science
Published on 21 May 2008
Scientists in newer member countries are learning how to use what the European Union offers.
Frank Torti, chief scientist, US Food and Drug Administration
Published on 21 May 2008
New FDA science chief faces serious challenges.
Upping student numbers and diversity
Published on 21 May 2008
Undergraduate research awardees emphasize diversity.
An impassive observation
Published on 21 May 2008
An impassioned observer.
Spotlight on Alabama
Published on 14 May 2008
Highlight on Spain
Published on 14 May 2008
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 14 May 2008
Prospects
Published on 14 May 2008
Aspiring interdisciplinarians should think beyond academia.
Assembly work
Published on 14 May 2008
Graduate students can be key links in interdisciplinary science, but training them for this role is a challenge, says Brian Vastag.
Craig Hogan, director, Center for Particle Astrophysics, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and professor of astronomy and astrophysics, University of Chicago, Illinois
Published on 14 May 2008
Incoming director at Fermilab plans fresh focus.
The postdoc interview
Published on 14 May 2008
Consider asking these questions during your next postdoc interview.
Judging me, judging you
Published on 14 May 2008
Conducting a lecture, hoping for a lectureship.
Spotlight on North Carolina and Research Triangle Park
Published on 7 May 2008
Prospects
Published on 7 May 2008
Postdocs need a set of defined, widely endorsed core competencies. Or do they?
Toronto rising
Published on 7 May 2008
Specialist research centres are springing up in Canada's biggest city, nourished by government funds that also attract high-calibre scientists. Kurt Kleiner reports.
Karin Lochte, director, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
Published on 7 May 2008
Oceanographer and climate change specialist heads to Germany's Wegener Institute.
Animal assets in academia
Published on 7 May 2008
Trying to get vets into academia.
Going with your gut
Published on 7 May 2008
I strive to find the best hummus — and the best experimental approach.
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 30 April 2008
Prospects
Published on 30 April 2008
US National Postdoctoral Association campaigns for stipend boost.
Eaton E. Lattman, chief executive and executive director of the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
Published on 30 April 2008
Crystallographer takes over at Buffalo's Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute.
Crossing borders
Published on 30 April 2008
Training programme links Stockholm and New York.
Meeting our targets
Published on 30 April 2008
Evaluating the metrics of my own 'success'.
Prospects
Published on 23 April 2008
Even as science and engineering in China ascends, its graduate students and postdocs often struggle.
China's challenge
Published on 23 April 2008
Young researchers in China face stiff competition as they strive to establish labs or find other scientific careers. Wei Zeng explores what it takes to succeed as a Chinese scientist.
Marja Makarow, chief executive, European Science Foundation, Strasbourg, France
Published on 23 April 2008
New European Science Foundation chief executive brings varied experience.
A guiding COMPASS
Published on 23 April 2008
From a student's struggles, a new mentor programme for minority students blossoms.
In the name of science
Published on 23 April 2008
I sacrifice an awful lot in the name of science.
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 16 April 2008
Spotlight on North Carolina and Research Triangle Park
Published on 16 April 2008
Prospects
Published on 16 April 2008
We're trying to improve — so you can rest a bit easier.
Beyond the triangle
Published on 16 April 2008
As North Carolina's Research Triangle Park nears its fiftieth birthday, Heidi Ledford investigates how research parks across the state are coping with mounting pressure from outside competition.
Gregory Crawford, dean, College of Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
Published on 16 April 2008
New Notre Dame dean looks for science that improves society.
Nucleus of growth at Louisville
Published on 16 April 2008
Suite of life-sciences buildings and biotech planned in Louisville, Kentucky.
Passion and obsession
Published on 16 April 2008
Finding passion rather than obsession
Highlight:Austria
Published on 9 April 2008
Prospects
Published on 9 April 2008
The quality of researcher jobs, and not just the quantity, deserves further scrutiny.
Billie Turner, Gilbert F. White chair in environment and society, School of Geographical Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Published on 9 April 2008
'Sustainability' pioneer joins Arizona State University.
Focus on health disparities
Published on 9 April 2008
The NIH adds genetics of health disparities centre to its Bethesda campus.
The very hungry postdoc
Published on 9 April 2008
Gauging publication risk and reward.
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 2 April 2008
Spotlight on Bangalore
Published on 2 April 2008
Prospects
Published on 2 April 2008
The startling contrasts of Bangalore
Biotech in Bangalore
Published on 2 April 2008
Bangalore has a growing biotech sector, supported by a tradition of academic science. But there are still challenges in committing to discovery science and retaining top talent. Gene Russo reports.
Dave Tapolczay, chief executive, MRC Technology, London
Published on 2 April 2008
Tapolczay looking to bolster MRC tech transfer
Göttingen bridges the gap
Published on 2 April 2008
Max Planck gets complex with new degree programme.
Getting that lucky break
Published on 2 April 2008
My project isn't working. Is it OK to quit?
Prospects
Published on 26 March 2008
Disease prevention should be fertile ground for researchers — if policy–makers catch up with the experts.
The art of self-defence
Published on 26 March 2008
Vaccines are no longer 'worthy but dull'. A heady mix of funding and breakthroughs is bringing this once-quiet area to life, says Virginia Gewin.
Highlight: Francophone
Published on 19 March 2008
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 19 March 2008
Prospects
Published on 19 March 2008
Should the NIH spread its wealth?
Closing the gaps
Published on 19 March 2008
US researchers are keen to find ways to address health disparities among minorities. Paul Smaglik reports.
Mike Tyers, director of the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance, Edinburgh, Scotland
Published on 19 March 2008
Cell-division researcher makes move from Canada to Scotland.
Sea change in business studies
Published on 19 March 2008
New degree for oceanographers with a business bent.
Thinner air
Published on 19 March 2008
I'm on a field-research high.
Prospects
Published on 12 March 2008
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has unveiled a programme to offer start-up funds for young biomedical scientists.
Daniel Kelly, scientific director, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, Orlando, Florida
Published on 12 March 2008
Science director appointed to Burnham Institute's new Florida location.
Sunny view for Florida life sciences
Published on 12 March 2008
Florida adds to growing collection of high-profile institutes.
David versus Goliath
Published on 12 March 2008
It can be a battleground in the lab.
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 5 March 2008
Spotlight on Missouri
Published on 5 March 2008
Prospects
Published on 5 March 2008
Are animal-rights attacks affecting career paths?
Almost in bloom
Published on 5 March 2008
St Louis wants to become a hub of agricultural biotechnology. All it needs, says Emma Marris, is more start-ups and funds.
Prospects
Published on 27 February 2008
Is science really undergoing globalization?
Felipe Pereira, distinguished professor, School of Energy Resources and Department of Mathematics, University of Wyoming, Laramie
Published on 27 February 2008
Energy demand brings Brazilian mathematician to Wyoming.
Neuroscience in the developing world
Published on 27 February 2008
Neuroscience training in Argentina, by any means necessary.
Role models
Published on 27 February 2008
My peers are my mentors.
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 20 February 2008
Prospects
Published on 20 February 2008
Introducing the careers network from Naturejobs.
The new networking nexus
Published on 20 February 2008
A crop of websites is making networking among scientists easier than ever. Virginia Gewin logs in.
Josephine Briggs, director, US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
Published on 20 February 2008
Incoming director seeks to get centre for alternative medicine back on track.
Take a turn as a rotator
Published on 20 February 2008
Taking a turn at grant-review duties can have its benefits.
Our strange fellowship
Published on 20 February 2008
Humans can be exhausting. Sometimes I prefer the company of baboons.
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 13 February 2008
Prospects
Published on 13 February 2008
Graduate students strive to unionize, to their advantage and potentially their detriment.
Alex Dehgan, senior scientist and policy adviser, US Department of State, Washington DC
Published on 13 February 2008
Diverse experiences in Madagascar, Iraq and Afghanistan prepared new adviser to the state department for his post.
Lab links with southern states
Published on 13 February 2008
Oak Ridge expands mentor protégé programme.
Serial postdoc
Published on 13 February 2008
Kicking the postdoc habit.
Prospects
Published on 6 February 2008
What do you look for in a good workplace? How about free scuba-diving lessons?
Ready, set, hire
Published on 6 February 2008
For junior science-faculty members and staff, hiring researchers is an important way to boost career success. But without management training, it's a shot in the dark. Genevive Bjorn reports.
Correction
Published on 6 February 2008
Eva Feldman, director, Taubman Medical Research Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Published on 6 February 2008
An accomplished career in neuroscience ends back up at Michigan.
Japanese postdocs seek their path
Published on 6 February 2008
Large survey of Japanese postdocs reveals employment trends.
Fruit medley
Published on 6 February 2008
I'm trying to get my priorities straight. Is doing my postdoc overseas the best choice?
Prospects
Published on 30 January 2008
The complexities of conducting science in India.
Rolf-Dieter Heuer, director-general, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland
Published on 30 January 2008
New director-general coming to CERN.
Singapore gears up for translation
Published on 30 January 2008
Singapore's Institute of Medical Biology strives for translation.
Biopolis dreams
Published on 30 January 2008
The Biopolis offers me vast opportunity and a challenging new laboratory culture.
Prospects
Published on 23 January 2008
More countires are opening their doors to scientific immigration.
Argentina's pivotal moment
Published on 23 January 2008
Rebuffing a troubled economic and political past, Argentina is trying to get on the science map with a new science ministry and attempts to retain young talent. Paul Smaglik reports.
Prospects
Published on 16 January 2008
Postdoc journal keepers embark on their journey.
Leszek Borysiewicz, chief executive, Medical Research Council, London
Published on 16 January 2008
Medical Research Council gets new director.
Bound for Bangalore
Published on 16 January 2008
India is angling for international students and fellows.
Starting anew
Published on 16 January 2008
Postdoc leaves South Africa for United States.
Opportunities: The National Institutes of Health
Published on 9 January 2008
Prospects
Published on 9 January 2008
A controversial move to central London for the Medical Research Council's flagship lab will have career repercussions.
A career at the museum
Published on 9 January 2008
For scientists who want to combine public outreach with research, a museum may be the perfect place to work, says Ricki Lewis.
Balancing act
Published on 2 January 2008
As the year comes to a close, I've started to reflect on the events of the past 12 months.
Prospects
Published on 2 January 2008
Tales of life as a postdoc.