Category Archives: job search

What could be happening behind the scenes on the hiring committee?

Posted on July 23, 2018 by SweetScience

I recently heard an interesting story from a colleague about the hiring process for my position – and how I almost didn’t get an interview! Have you ever heard the behind the scenes story of how you got hired? It … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, Interview, job search, new job, uncertainty, vulnerability | 1 Comment

My Experience on a Hiring Committee

Posted on June 18, 2018 by notarealteachers

I’ve applied for many jobs in the last few years and I’ve been offered only a handful. So this year, when I was offered the opportunity to serve on the hiring committee for two different teaching positions, I accepted. It … Continue reading →

Posted in dream job, Interview, job search | Tagged | 3 Comments

What scientists inspire you?

Posted on May 29, 2018 by Megan

I’m trying to make the difficult transition out of postdoc-dom into a more permanent position. It’s been hard, full of rejection and difficult personal and professional negotiations, and my future is still very uncertain. During this time, I’ve been thinking … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, broken dreams, early career scientist, finishing postdoctoral training, job search, Leaving Academia, role models | 6 Comments

On Rejection

Posted on May 11, 2018 by notarealteachers

On Rejection 4 months ago I sit here at my computer in my kitchen, wearing PJs and surrounded by Kleenex stained black with mascara. I came home sick from work, so the multitude of Kleenex are saturated with a combination … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative career, confidence, dream job, job search | 7 Comments

Writing your own letter of recommendation

Posted on August 23, 2017 by SweetScience

In response to a recent post, a reader asked for advice on writing a letter of recommendation – specifically for oneself! Yes, for better or worse, “minor fraud” and ethics aside for this post, this is very common and important … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, bosses, finishing postdoctoral training, graduate school, job search, mentoring, postdoc, professional, research, strengths and weaknesses, support, uncertainty | 1 Comment

When Your Pregnancy is a Job Hunt, or The Amazing Community of Women in Science Part II

Posted on August 17, 2017 by ragamuffinphd

Several months ago, I wrote about the experience of being 5 months pregnant and told that my postdoctoral mentor was leaving our institution. This was my chance to leave my oppressive pit of a working environment without burning any bridges. … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, biotech, bosses, early career scientist, female scientist, industry, Interview, job search, postdoc, transitions, women in science | 3 Comments

Job Interview Questions

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Curiouser&Curiouser

When I was first interviewing for jobs I got the question “what are your career goals?”  The question was something I had given a lot of thought to but I’d never actually transferred these ideas into an interview appropriate answer … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, alternative career, biotech, communication styles, confidence, dream job, industry, industry vs academia, Interview, job search, new job, pharma, postdoc, presenting, professional, start up, transitions | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Feedback on job applications

Posted on July 17, 2017 by SweetScience

My partner and I applied separately for a number of Assistant Professor positions last year. We both had varying degrees of success at different institutions that really showed us where we stood in terms of what kinds of institutions were … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, early career scientist, finishing postdoctoral training, gratitude, Interview, job search, lack of jobs, mentoring, postdoc, strengths and weaknesses, support | 1 Comment

When Your Postdoc Mentor Switches Institutions, or The Amazing Community of Women in Science

Posted on May 17, 2017 by ragamuffinphd

I am 9 months into my first postdoc. I am 6 months pregnant. I will be unemployed two days after my son is due to be born. One month ago, my postdoc mentor announced that he has accepted an incredible … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, alternative career, biotech, bosses, broken dreams, early career scientist, female scientist, industry vs academia, job search, postdoc, women in science | 6 Comments

The layoff

Posted on January 19, 2017 by peírama

I’ve heard stories of it happening. I know it can happen. It has happened to plenty of people. But to me? It couldn’t happen. But it did. I was laid off. With one month of notice. In some industries that … Continue reading →

Posted in job search, lack of jobs | 5 Comments