In graduate school, we lived by two unspoken, yet sacred, rules: you never asked a grad student when they were going to graduate, and you never asked what they were going to do after graduation. Read more
If you’re like me, you entered university with a plan: to follow a career path that many had followed before. This is common, because school trains us to follow directions. Earning a degree involves predefined steps: … Read more
Epitome is a Singapore biotech start-up whose product pipeline is based on engineered tail proteins to tackle bacterial diseases. It wants a slice of the US’s $6bn acne market. Epitome’s founders are seeking raise $10m to build a factory where its cosmetic products can be manufactured. Investors will be rewarded with a seat on its board. Read more
Unlike most US students, Nathan Sanders declared his specialty as soon as he started undergraduate studies. He’d known for years that he wanted to study astronomy, but during his PhD at Harvard University he realized that the analysis itself enthralled him more than the applications for astronomy. He describes how he used his technical skills, and connections outside his academic program, to launch his career. Read more
In today’s competitive world, it’s become increasingly common for scientists to question where their skills and knowledge will fit outside the lab. Academic research is a harsh place, littered with the victims of funding decisions and research projects that didn’t quite go to plan. The idea, even amongst scientists, that we are highly specialised professionals with no role outside the lab has become a persistent limitation in this search. So, what is the need for a scientist in any other capacity? Read more
Most PhD students and postdocs working today will not go on to head their own labs. With little infrastructure to guide them to the next stage, young scientists are inventing it themselves. Read more
Naturejobs is the world’s leading dedicated science jobs board. The Naturejobs blog aims to be the leading online resource for scientists in academia and industry who seek guidance in developing their careers. The blog delivers a mix of expert advice and personal stories to help readers review, set and achieve their career goals. We like to interact with our readers – we want to know what you want to know. Please share your thoughts in the comments section and get in touch if you have content suggestions. Pitches for guest posts are encouraged and should be emailed to the editor Jack Leeming at naturejobseditor [at] nature.com
NEW from Naturejobs, the Naturejobs Careers Community, an open forum for the sharing of expert advice and opinion on developing a career in science. Join today to network, learn and raise your profile to further your career.
Recent comments on this blog
African astronomy and how one student broke into the field
From Doctorate to Data Science: A very short guide
Work/life balance: New definitions