Honest career advice for scientists!

Why professors do not train you for the non-academic job market!
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Beyond academia, Find your dream job, PhD, postdoc

About 97% of all young researchers find a job *outside* academia. However, most professors focus on academic success and scientific excellence. Some professors are afraid to transform young scientists into “slaves of the market”. Others simply do not feel qualified. Most universities invest a lot of money and efforts to train PhD students and postdocs well for the non-academic job market, but most young researchers do not feel well-prepared.

Read More Why professors do not train you for the non-academic job market!
Is being a professor worth it?
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Find your dream job, Passion and pain, PhD, postdoc, Scientific independence, Work/life balance

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 your personal life and finances because it is hard work, the academic job market is competitive, and it takes a long time to get a tenure-track position.

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Should I publish negative results, or does this ruin my career?
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Publish or perish, Integrity and scientific fraud, Publications, Research Career

Scientists often produce negative results. All experiments were done correctly – but there was no difference between test and control. They get conflicting advice from supervisors and ethicists. Some say that publishing negative results is a waste of resources and ruins their scientific careers. Others say that ‘not publishing negative results is unethical’. What should young scientists do in such a situation?

Read More Should I publish negative results, or does this ruin my career?
MD-PhD programs – Is the combined degree worth it?
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Find your dream job, PhD, Research Career

An MD-PhD program allows you to earn both an MD and a PhD in a condensed period, potentially giving you a competitive edge in the job market. It is a long and demanding training that requires a great deal of commitment and dedication. Is it worth it?

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How to become an expert in your scientific field
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Leadership skills, PhD, postdoc, Professor, Publications, Scientific independence

The world desperately needs experts. We live in a complex world, and knowledge is dramatically expanding. Nobody can comprehend anymore all the data which are produced on a daily basis.

Read More How to become an expert in your scientific field
Am I good enough for a career in science?
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Passion and pain, Find your dream job, PhD, postdoc

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 community… and then you get the feeling that you are not good enough. This sense of doubt makes you feel you aren’t good enough for a career in academia.

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Pharmacologist Salary vs Pharmacist Salary – Who Earns More?
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Uncategorized

Pharmacologists and pharmacists are both professionals who work in the field of drugs and medications. A pharmacologist is a scientist, while a pharmacist is a healthcare professional. Pharmacologists may have a slightly higher salary than pharmacists in some countries but have very different roles and responsibilities.

Read More Pharmacologist Salary vs Pharmacist Salary – Who Earns More?
Dental school vs medical school vs life sciences – Should I study Medicine, Dentistry, or Life Sciences?
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Find your dream job, PhD, Research Career

Medicine, dentistry, or life sciences may have a similar appeal when deciding on your career path. Your choice will depend massively on your interests, talents, and long-term goals. See below for a comparison of the pros and cons of the three career paths to better decide what you truly want.

Read More Dental school vs medical school vs life sciences – Should I study Medicine, Dentistry, or Life Sciences?
20 Strengths and Weaknesses of Leaders in Science
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Leadership skills, postdoc, Professor, Scientific independence

What are the essential strengths and weaknesses of leaders in science? Strong scientific leadership is vital in driving scientific progress and innovation. The scientific community needs leaders who inspire others, make ethical decisions, and effectively communicate their findings to experts and the public.

Read More 20 Strengths and Weaknesses of Leaders in Science
Masters vs PhD – What’s the best degree for me?
ByProfessor Sven Hendrix PhD, Research Career

In the US, a Master’s degree is not required for a PhD – unlike most European countries, where it is a prerequisite. Thus, in the US, deciding between a Master’s degree and a PhD can be a challenging question. By understanding the distinction, you can determine which program aligns best with your aspirations and goals. This article will provide insights into the structure, requirements, and outcomes of both degrees, helping you make an informed decision.

Read More Masters vs PhD – What’s the best degree for me?