The emotional phases of your research project and “The Dip”
Every research project has four typical emotional phases: You start with naïve enthusiasm, become competent and disillusioned, you want to give up (“The Dip”), you recover and finally you round up and...
View ArticleShould I become a long-term postdoc?
When discussing career paths in life sciences with postdocs, we hear on a regular basis the wish to escape from the “rat race of the professors” by accepting a kind of long-term senior postdoc position...
View ArticleFor how long should I be a postdoc?
Young researchers often ask: what is the ideal length of a postdoc? There are many different answers which depend on the field, the country, the university, the supervisor and funding institutions. To...
View ArticleShould I have senior authorships as a postdoc?
Postdocs often struggle with their publication list. They become the famous “second author”. However, if you strive for a successful academic career, you may have to negotiate better with your...
View ArticleDo I really have to go to a famous university for a successful career in...
Everybody will tell you that it is essential to go to a famous university for a successful career in science. Important arguments are the network you build (for example, via alumni associations), the...
View ArticleWill I find a job as a scientist?
Young researchers are often disoriented what they should do with their expertise and whether they will find a job after their doctorate or postdoc. The good news is that the unemployment rate of PhD...
View ArticleGood reasons to have a love-hate relationship with science
The post Good reasons to have a love-hate relationship with science appeared first on smartsciencecareer blog.
View ArticleDoes CORONA kill my career in science?
Lockdown makes it difficult to do experiments and to work on your scientific career. Losing a few months of your research may not seem so dramatic… or is it? You sit at home and have to motivate...
View ArticleUsing the lockdown as a strategic advantage for your career in science
Despite everyone complaining about the lockdown, I believe it can be used as a golden opportunity for your scientific career… Although I didn’t dare mention this at the beginning. The post Using the...
View ArticleI have no idea where I will be in two years
They always ask in job interviews, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” I hear the same reply again and again… “I don’t even know where I see myself in 2 years.” What can you do to get more clarity?...
View ArticleAm I good enough for a career in science?
Are you one of the many people who wonder, “Am I good enough for a career in science?” Every young scientist suffers from these negative thoughts. You’ve worked hard to contribute to the scientific...
View ArticleCareer or Contribution
Everybody struggles with the same dilemma. Do I focus on my career or on my scientific contributions? If I concentrate on my advancement, I am seen as selfish. Yet, if I focus on my contributions, I...
View ArticleShould I Quit My Postdoc?
If you have doubts about whether to stay or leave your postdoc position, quitting your postdoc can be daunting. But it can also be a great opportunity to move forward in your career. The post Should I...
View ArticleHow to become a professor? A 10-step career guide!
Being a professor is amazing: a lot of academic freedom to investigate and teach exciting subjects and a secure salary until retirement. However, obtaining this position can be pretty strenuous, and...
View ArticleHow to get over narcissistic abuse by a supervisor?
If you feel like you're always walking on eggshells, your supervisor may be a narcissist and abuse you emotionally. Narcissists often use manipulation, control, and gaslighting to keep their staff...
View ArticleEmotional Phases of a Research Project: PhD and Postdoc Stress
Every research project has four typical emotional phases: You start with naïve enthusiasm, become competent and disillusioned, you want to give up (“The Dip”), you recover and finally you round up and...
View ArticleIs being a professor worth it?
Being a professor is amazing because of the intellectual fulfillment derived from research and teaching, the societal impact, and academic freedom. However, the journey to a professorship may strain...
View ArticleFor how long should I be a postdoc?
Young researchers often ask: what is the ideal length of a postdoc? There are many different answers which depend on the field, the country, the university, the supervisor and funding institutions. To...
View ArticleShould I have senior authorships as a postdoc?
Postdocs often struggle with their publication list. They become the famous “second author”. However, if you strive for a successful academic career, you may have to negotiate better with your...
View Article12 strategies to combine a science career with a good family life
Many young parents in science have a strong feeling of guilt when they try to combine a successful scientific career with a healthy family life. However, there are many good examples of parents who...
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