Should I become a long term postdoc - title

Should I become a long-term postdoc?

ByProf. Sven Hendrix Find your dream job, Passion and pain, postdoc, Professor, Research Career

Becoming a long-term postdoc – isn’t this attractive? 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 in academia. The idea is to obtain a permanent position (and thus a safe job in economic turbulent times), which encompasses at the same time an intellectually stimulating and creative profession with some (but not too many) responsibilities. Is this what you want?

Emotional phases of a research project - PhD and Postdoc stress - title

Emotional Phases of a Research Project: PhD and Postdoc Stress

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Passion and pain, PhD, postdoc, Publish or perish, Research Career, Work/life balance

Stress is a rather typical aspect of most research projects because every research project has five characteristic emotional phases: You start with naïve enthusiasm, become competent and disillusioned, you want to give up (the stress phase, slump or dip), you recover, and finally, you round up and exit. How do you survive PhD stress and postdoc stress?

How to ask for a letter of recommendation - title

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.

Why salary matters in science careers - title

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 - title

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.

What is a Reader at a University - title

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.

16 very personal reasons not commit scientific fraud - title

16 very personal reasons not to commit scientific fraud

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Integrity and scientific fraud, PhD, postdoc, Professor, Publications, Publish or perish, Research Career, Student, Work/life balance

We all know that scientific fraud is bad for science and society in general. However, apart from these general considerations, it is necessary and effective to make young scientists aware that scientific misconduct ruins their personal integrity and destroys their careers. The following 16 personal reasons will convince most young scientists that scientific misconduct is a bad idea.

Should I admit that I want to become a professor title

Should I admit that I want to become a professor?

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

Many PhD students and most postdocs want to pursue a career in academia. However, is it a good idea to admit that you want to become a professor? Would you appear overambitious or pretentious? Or does it ruin your career to hide your ambitions from potential mentors and decision-makers? What should you do?