Editor’s Choice Features
See also
Off-the-Bench Skills
Surviving science
Prospect Date published: December 2006
How to ask yourself questions about major career decisions.
Should I stay or should I go? Date published: December 2006
Gut check time: should you stay in academia, on the bench or even quit science?
When it's personal Date published: September 2006
Personal problems can overwhelm an already stressful young research career, but sound strategies can help you stay the course, counsels Kendall Powell.
Winning ways Date published: August 2006
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.
Making a move Date published: July 2006
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.
Misconduct mayhem Date published: May 2006
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.
Mentoring mismatch Date published: April 2006
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.
When personalities clash Date published: February 2006
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.
Industry careers
Closing the deal Date published: November 2006
Sales and marketing jobs at pharmaceutical companies offer the opportunity to combine science with social skills and creative flair. Hannah Hoag investigates the pitch.
Masters of efficiency Date published: September 2006
Manufacturing jobs may be shifting from the large drug companies to contract organizations as firms re-evaluate their strengths. But scientists with analytical skills and an eye for efficiency can find a job transforming materials into medicines, says Hannah Hoag.
Trial Blazers Date published: July 2006
The drug industry may be going through lean times, as new candidates have to clear ever-higher safety hurdles. But this gives scientists who can steer a drug through clinical trials a head start in the job market, says Hannah Hoag.
Rules rule Date published: June 2006
Regulatory affairs is a young profession that's already making its mark in the world of drug development, where one false move can bring years of research to an unwelcome end. If your skills include communication and leadership, it may be for you, says Hannah Hoag.
Animal intelligence Date published: May 2006
Use of animals for testing early in the drug-development process aims to provide vital information to make new drugs safe and effective - and the process is being constantly refined. Hannah Hoag finds out what is involved.
Seeing the big picture Date published: April 2006
Creating a new drug is a long and painstaking process, involving the skills and talents of numerous types of scientist, says Hannah Hoag. Each is vital to different stages of producing a drug that's both safe and effective. Drug development draws on various kinds of scientist.
Time, project and team management
Balancing act Date published: November 2005
Mounting responsibilities can swamp the newly independent scientist. Kendall Powell asks if it's possible to manage your time without losing your creativity.
To do today Date published: October 2005
Moving research quickly forward to publication tops the pre-tenure 'to do' list. Kendall Powell ticks off project management tips.
Tag teams Date published: September 2005
A collaboration can produce powerful results when everyone pulls together, but if you go about it the wrong way, or with the wrong people, it may all fall down around you. Kendall Powell finds out how to choose the right partners.
Getting schooled Date published: June 2005
To juggle teaching and research, classroom veterans advise beginners to draw on mentors and all the resources they can find. Kendall Powell learns about the balancing act.
The staff dreams are made of Date published: May 2005
Being the boss is new territory for young investigators. Kendall Powell screens strategies for managing a successful group.
Financial management and grant-writing
Counting the cost Date published: April 2005
Budgeting wisely can be critical to a young lab's early success. Kendall Powell finds out how to stretch funds for maximum effect.
Save now, don't pay later Date published: January 2005
Should young scientists be tightening their belts to save for the future? Kendall Powell compounds the interest.
Stipend survival Date published: March 2004
Graduate-student pay levels mean tight budgets and inventive cost-cutting, but is the five-year pay freeze worth it? Kendall Powell calculates the bottom line.
A winning proposal Date published: November 2003
Young, aspiring researchers often have to learn the hard way when it comes to writing a killer grant application. But a range of European initiatives aims to give them a helping hand. Karen Kreeger reports.
Networking
Meeting (to move) up Date published: August 2005
Scientific conferences give new faculty members a chance to meet the leaders in their field and to give themselves some much-needed exposure. Kendall Powell works the room.
Networking, Networking, Networking, Networking, Networking Date published: August 2004
Drinks with a few dozen friends or a visit to an interesting employer: Myrna Watanabe meets groups finding informal ways into work.
Picking a postdoctoral fellowship
Fast Track: charting the course of your postdoc Date published: October 2004
Are you on course for the career you want? Don't follow the crowd and lose your direction, warns Eugene Russo. Instead, map out your own postdoc path.
Stacking the deck Date published: April 2003
Without doing the homework, choosing a postdoc position is a bit like picking a playing card at random. Karen Kreeger advises on how to come up trumps.
Finding full-time employment
Getting on the fast-track to full-time employment Date published: November 2004
The road to your first full-time position can be long and tortuous. But some researchers have found a shortcut to success. Eugene Russo reports.
Presentations
Make your point Date published: March 2005
Engaging presentations can land jobs and increase visibility. Kendall Powell learns the art of a good talk.
Mentoring
Learning to mentor Date published: July 2005
Having a good mentor can determine the direction and probability of success for a young researcher. But mentoring takes skill, and institutions are paying attention to their training, says Virginia Gewin.
Teaching
At last, a chance for postdocs to learn how to teach Date published: February 2002
Work-life balance
Toddlers, teens and test tubes Date published: December 2005
Young careers and young families can leave investigators feeling stretched. Kendall Powell finds out how to keep the two from clashing.
Destressing in the geekosphere Date published: January 2004
Finding a balance in the daily grind requires creativity and a sense of play. Kendall Powell explores how lifestyle can complement science.