Research Career Archives

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.

Should I Quit My Postdoc? Or Should I Finish It?

ByProfessor Sven Hendrix Passion and pain, postdoc, Research Career, Scientific independence, Work/life balance

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.

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

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?

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?

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 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?

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?

Job interview outfits in science – what to wear?

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

Job interview outfits in science differ from those in other industries. In academia, basic scientists may underdress, while doctors and clinical researchers tend to overdress. Traditional attire may suit big pharma and established tech firms, while start-ups may favor smart-casual looks, and the social sector might value approachable attire.

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?

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