Ben Thomas writes articles about a variety of topics for the Riley Guide, an online repository for career and education resources. As a freelancer, Ben also covers scientific research and technological breakthroughs as well as social issues involving the sciences. A regular contributor to several leading science news websites, Ben helps scientists and academics connect with the general public by explaining their latest discoveries and controversies in clear, down-to-earth terms. You can follow Ben on Google+.

If you’re on the path toward a degree in the natural sciences, chances are you’ve already heard more than your share of grim career predictions. Competition for academic tenure is tougher than ever, government jobs often only arrive at the ends of long waiting lists, and even well-paying work in the nonprofit and private sectors may mean making distant detours from your central scientific passions. Still, natural-science jobs in certain sectors do appear to be poised for slow but steady long-term growth in the near future. Here, two experts in scientific career planning explain how your expertise and love of the natural sciences can point the way toward a stable, impactful career path. Continue reading →