Why some professors welcome new lab members with clear expectations—in writing
Documents like these can help labs run more smoothly
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Ultrarunning made me a more resilient scientist
Lessons learned from a running group helped this grad student redefine success, both professionally and personally -
Three keys to launching your own lab
In this Letter to Young Scientists, our columnists share their advice for new faculty members -
Hefty university fees are sending some grad students to food banks
As costs rise, students and faculty members are pushing back -
We live in a complex world. Science can’t be taught in a vacuum
Why this biology professor addresses social and political issues in his classroom -
My science seemed to tell a clear story—until I took a closer look
This researcher reflects on lessons learned from spinning a story about her data instead of critically examining all the facts -
For academics, what matters more: journal prestige or readership?
Faculty members say they prioritize readership—but they think their peers care most about prestige -
Skydiving taught me I can land on my feet—in my life and career
Career leaps can be scary, but they are also exhilarating and rewarding, this grad student writes -
How to tell your adviser you’re pursuing a nonacademic career
In this installment of Your Unicorn Career, our columnist offers advice for having “the talk” -
Why I livestream my science
This computational researcher discovered the benefits of sharing his work in real time -
What can scientists learn from stand-up comedy?
Our Experimental Error columnist shares lessons for giving effective presentations inspired by performing comedy -
Amid concerns about grad student mental health, one university takes a novel approach
At the University of North Carolina, specialized counselors serve the school’s biomedical Ph.D. students -
How I negotiated paternity leave in a place where it’s not the norm
Fathers in Japan rarely take paternity leave, but this postdoc wanted to blaze a trail -
In the tough academic job market, two principles can help you maximize your chances
Our Letters to Young Scientists columnists explain how to face job market randomness by maximizing signal and minimizing noise -
Committee members shouldn’t expect Ph.D. students to serve coffee and pastries
Thesis defenses and committee meetings are stressful enough without the added expectation of bringing food, this student writes -
Yes, you can—and should—negotiate academic job offers
How a professor learned the importance of negotiating, and sharing his hard-won knowledge -
It’s OK to quit your Ph.D.
Former students recount their experiences dropping out -
Struggling with your academic writing? Try these experiments to get the words flowing
Our Letters to Young Scientists columnists offer some ideas for developing good writing habits -
Academia or industry? How I learned to pivot between them
This researcher’s winding path taught him to embrace career plan changes rather than fear them -
Yay, it’s conference time! Navigating the bizarre world of scientific meetings
Our Experimental Error columnist offers a tongue-in-cheek guide for conference attendees -
‘Now I know I’m not alone.’ Study highlights challenges LGBTQ workers in STEM face
The study authors discuss what they learned and how to be a supportive ally -
How I learned to teach like a scientist
Recently retired, this professor emeritus reflects on how she challenged students to think beyond facts -
A warning from the academic underground of adjuncts and contingent faculty
Our Taken for Granted columnist discusses the pernicious exploitation that plagues academia -
Branching out from my area of expertise felt risky—but I did it anyway
For this assistant professor, trying something new midway to her tenure review was the right move -
Share your science with a story
In this Career Fable, our columnists offer advice for telling compelling scientific tales
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