Simply speaking, there are two categories of postdocs. Either you stay around where you did your Phd or you move on. Obviously there are pros and cons of both ways of postdoc-ing and in this blog I’d like to shed light on the advantages and disadvantages that come with either decision. So, here we go:Continue reading “Postdoc-ing somewhere else or staying where you are?”
Category Archives: Everyday life of a scientist
Time off
It’s been a while since I wrote my last blog. More than a year has passed since the pandemic started and as probably most of us, I reached some oversaturation regarding screen time. Living abroad forces me to see most of my colleagues, friends and family on my computer if I don’t want to loseContinue reading “Time off”
Starting a new job during the pandemic
Starting a new job is always a challenge. Plenty of new names need to be assigned to new faces, new networks need to be established and old ones maintained. Your new office is still under construction and you constantly forget about how to get there due to the maze of corridors that all look theContinue reading “Starting a new job during the pandemic”
The subtle art of reviewing papers
I received my first review request while I was a PhD student and the topic was about something similar to the work I did during my master studies. I felt very honoured but also a bit lost during that time. Reviewing manuscripts is nothing you are taught at University (why not???). One of the firstContinue reading “The subtle art of reviewing papers”
How to survive a conference talk
Talking in front of people is not a pleasure. At least it’s not for me. It starts to get better the more often there is opportunity for practice but I wonder if I will ever reach the point of “enjoying it”. I reminisce about my first ever conference talk, when I was a PhD studentContinue reading “How to survive a conference talk”
The costs of relocating for science
There is one thing no one will tell you and prepare you for while you are a student with passion for working in the STEM field or the wish to become a scientist. I am not talking about the unspoken expectations for constant work and achievements (‘publish or perish’) but about the other costs thatContinue reading “The costs of relocating for science”
The idea generator
Having great ideas and being creative is very much essential for a scientist. Did you ever reflect on how this process works best for you? And how it can be enhanced? The list on ideas that was supposed to end up in this blog was created while my body was incubating in the bathtub. AContinue reading “The idea generator”
Wise decision making or why it’s good to sleep on it for a night
I don’t like people holding a pistol on my head and forcing a decision. This is especially true for meetings of all kinds. Meetings were invented as a platform for egomaniacal people to display themselves as the greatest and to throw their brain farts as an act of verbal incontinence (sometimes sold as brainstorming). OfContinue reading “Wise decision making or why it’s good to sleep on it for a night”
Manuscript relationships – 5 reasons why it’s complicated
“How is the status of your manuscript?” … “Well, it’s complicated.” Sounds like I would talk about a serious relationship with another human being. It is serious! But why is it complicated? What makes manuscript writing such a roller coaster ride? Manuscripts do not come alone. They are usually attached to supervisors. And co-authors. AndContinue reading “Manuscript relationships – 5 reasons why it’s complicated”
Working from home
The current Corona situation forces many of us to work from home. This is especially a challenge for scientists that have to get their lab or field work done. Teaching suddenly needs to be implemented online, and students are complaining that the schedule is different from their normal curriculum. Home office is also a struggleContinue reading “Working from home”
She in STEM 