Coming to the US for a postdoc? – If I had known, part II

Is moving to the US for a postdoc worth it? Elena Blanco-Suárez shares her tips on how to make the best decision for you.

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Like many other European researchers, I moved to the US for my postdoc.  While some stay in the US, and others return to Europe after their postdocs, I’m almost certain that anyone who has followed this path will have encountered a few shocks along the way. Choosing the right fit for your postdoctoral training is just as important as choosing the right lab for your PhD. Based on my experiences, here is a list of the things that I think are worth checking in advance to avoid thinking “I wish I had known” too often.

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Dear Dr. Elena: How outreach kills the science stereotype

Science includes a vast range of people. So why do we still have one stereotype?

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What does a scientist look like?

You don’t look like a scientist.

Have you ever been told this? I get it quite often. Sometimes from children, but also from adults. Occasionally, if I feel like turning that comment into a discussion, I ask:

How so?

They would hesitate, tilt their head, and make a careful comment about my outfit or my hair.

And you are a girl. Continue reading

Lost in translation

You may not be an English native speaker, but that shouldn’t be an obstacle in science, says Elena Blanco-Suárez.

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