Prospects in 2010

More young scientists should dedicate a portion of their attention to high-risk research despite the potential downside, argues Abraham Loeb.

A new online facility allows users to delve into Naturejobs's career and salary survey data on their own terms, explains Gene Russo.

Finding time to explore new research areas can be beneficial for science and scientists, says Peter Fiske.

Scientists are increasingly asked to master skills in addition to their research. This is not necessarily a good thing, says Gene Russo.

'Alternative' careers may be commonplace, but that doesn't mitigate a sense of failure, says Katherine Sixt.

Having a laptop as a lab bench leads to mixed career prospects, says Bryan Howie.

Augmenting your full-time job with additional work can bring many rewards, says Peter Fiske.

Mentoring students as a young researcher has its own particular challenges, suggests Fabio Paglieri.

The academic track is riddled with risks, yet most still believe it to be the safest career route for the devoted scientist. Andrea Schweitzer suggests a different way.

Publishing papers involves bureaucratic and clerical challenges. Marwan Azar suggests ways to cope.

Peter Fiske argues that too many young scientists adopt a passive voice, to the detriment of their careers.

Negotiating for a pay rise can be a smooth, fruitful process if you follow a few guidelines, says Deb Koen.

The lot of women scientists would improve with more openness in policy and practice, argues Jan Bogg.

The past year's postdoc journal keepers face familiar dilemmas, writes Gene Russo.

Many stereotypes should be crushed, but some can prove beneficial to a fledgling scientist, says Peter Fiske.