How to ask for a letter of recommendation?

How to ask for a letter of recommendation?

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Find your dream job, PhD, postdoc, Professor, Research Career

We all know the problem – you need a letter of recommendation – but you do not know whom to ask and how to ask. In many contexts, letters of recommendation are required, such as applications for scholarships, fellowships, grants, new positions, awards and honors, and professional development programs. In this article, you will find the open secrets of asking the right person to write you a great letter of recommendation – even if you do not know the person yet.

Best books on salary negotiation and getting a raise

Best books on salary negotiation and getting a raise

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Find your dream job, PhD, postdoc, Professor, Research Career, Work/life balance

Negotiating an excellent salary is crucial because it sets the foundation for your long-term career satisfaction and financial security. A well-negotiated salary boosts your morale, leading to greater motivation and productivity and reflecting your organizational value. However, effective salary negotiation requires preparation and strategy. The following negotiation books might help you negotiate a higher salary or better conditions.

28 Tips to Get More Citations for Your Publications

28 Tips to Get More Citations for Your Publications

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Publications, Publish or perish, Scientific independence, Social media, Visibility

Everybody knows that high impact factors are essential for a career in science. However, young scientists often underestimate the value of citations. They provide a more valuable estimate of the quality of a scientific publication than other metrics, including impact factors. In this article, I provide 20 strategies to increase your citation counts.

Why Salary Matters in Science Careers

Why Salary Matters in Science Careers

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Beyond academia, Find your dream job, Passion and pain, PhD, postdoc, Professor, Research Career

Scientists often shy away from discussing money and salary, considering it a taboo topic that distracts from pursuing knowledge and discovery. However, the reality is that salary plays a substantial role in job satisfaction and overall career success for scientists in academia and industry. What should you do?

What is tenure?

What is tenure?

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix PhD, postdoc, Professor, Research Career, Scientific independence

Academic tenure is fundamental to higher education, offering professors permanent employment and job security to protect academic freedom. This status allows professors to explore, teach, and publish without fear of repercussions and promotes an environment for innovative and potentially controversial research. Achieving tenure involves a rigorous review of teaching, research, and service contributions.

Best books on metaphysics for scientists

Best books on metaphysics for scientists

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Books, PhD, postdoc, Professor

Reading books on metaphysics is essential for scientists because it broadens your understanding of the conceptual foundations underlying your field. Metaphysical inquiry can lead to more profound scientific concepts and theories, challenge unreflected assumptions, and inspire innovative approaches to scientific problems. However, what are the best books on metaphysics for scientists?

What is a Reader at a University?

What is a Reader at a University?

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Find your dream job, Professor, Research Career

The job title “Reader” can confuse jobseekers in academia due to its differential use across countries. In the UK, Australia, and some Commonwealth nations, it denotes a senior academic position between Senior Lecturer and Professor. In the Commonwealth system, it is often used synonymously with the title Associate Professor. This is confusing because the terms Reader/Associate Professor would correspond to different ranks in the US.