Time for Change

Spring is here and as always it is a time for growth, renewal and change. As scientists, we are always seeking new knowledge and trying to grow in our work . In pursuit of this, I am undergoing a major change. I am changing institutions from the University of Texas at Austin, which has been a nice home and a great place to start my career, to New York University, which presents amazing opportunities for me to expand and grow my research. It is wonderful, scary, crazy and exciting all at the same time. For me, the opportunity to be a part of the vibrant biomedical community that is both NYU and New York City was too hard to turn down. It is rich soil, and I think all of us should seek the place where our work, ideas and selves are nourished. I am sure I will have more to share of this journey. The move comes in June 2009 and I will try to share a bit of what it is like to make such a change. Happy Spring.

The Joy of Science

I have been thinking a lot about the joy of science. Because science is seen as rational, scientists are often viewed as dispassionate by the general public and in the media. This is funny, because in my view scientists are some of the most passionate people I know. That passion typically comes with serious overtones but to me science is just fun. It is so great to have that aha! moment, to be able to explore the world, to create new technologies, to constantly learn new things. It's like being Indiana Jones and MacGyver only without the big rock or people trying to kill you. I think so often as scientists, especially in academia, we forget the joy of it. I hope that I always remember.

As Carl Sandburg once said, "Let joy kill you, stay away from the little deaths."

Title IX

An article by Tierney came out recently in the New York Times on the idea that applying Title IX , which is meant to give women equal access to education, to science is wrongheaded (see Tierney Blog). It argues that women simply choose not to do science because we are less passionate about abstract, quantitative things and so there does not need to be any change in the fundamental way academia in the physical sciences is run. I fervently disagree as do many others in my position. For a good review of the issues and responses I think that another female scientist's blog has summed it up very well (FSP Blog).

The wonderful world of science

I have just returned from the BioOrganic Gordon Research conference held at the Proctor Academy in New Hampshire. The breadth of science covered at this conference is astonishing and I have a new appreciation for the work done in both academia and in industry. While academic talks are more focused on basic research and are clearly led by a single researcher heading a small group, the industrial talks were of a more practical bent and showcased the incredible teamwork that goes into a successful project. It is a different but quite related world and makes me appreciate the science in both contexts.
On a different note, these conferences are incredible places to catch up with and connect to colleagues. For graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, these conferences can be a key opportunity to meet with some of the most influential and interesting people in their fields. Opportunities to talk about your science and your future interests abound and it is a great place to get a heads up on postdoctoral opportunities and job prospects. They also have some fellowships for students to attend. People interested in these conferences should look at the Gordon Research Conference Homepage (http://www.grc.org/). Don't be put off by the fact that you have to apply to the conference. It is a great opportunity. Definitely put your application in early though.

BACK FROM HIATUS!! A new mom to boot!

I apologize for the long hiatus. In the intervening time, I have learned (am learning?) how to be an academic scientist with an 11 month old child. On that note, here is what I have learned so far about being a tenure track assistant professor with child:

1. It is possible to be both a mom and an academic scientist with a vibrant lab. It is not easy, but it is possible.

2. Having a child, for me, is wonderful and was absolutely the right decision. My daughter really does make everything better, even when it is hard.

3. You learn to organize your time and let go of anything that is not really important. For me that included cleaning my house ( I now have a cleaning service.... and a slightly messier house.).

4. Leave lots of wiggle room in any deadline as, especially if your kid is in daycare, they can and will get sick and if you are the primary (or even 55% time) caregiver, you will not get anything done during that time.

5. You cannot be superwoman (or superman if you are a new dad) so don't feel bad about it. Guilt is useless.

6. It helps a lot to have a supportive spouse, an understanding lab and to find good daycare.

7. I love my job, and even though I have been traveling, and that is a bit tough, talking to people about my work and thinking about the science is cool. It is good to get adult time away where I am a professional and not just a mom.


I am sure that a lot of this is cliché, but thus far it is true to my experience. So far, so good.

So you want a career in publishing?

There are many jobs in publishing that may appeal to someone with a scientific degree. Here a re quick and dirty descriptions of some of these jobs as well as advice for finding and applying for them. Keep in mind that publishers (of journals or books) will specify what they want in a future employee in the job postings so the information below should be used as starting point to expanding your understanding of publishing. Readers should please refine the descriptions based on their experience and knowledge of publishing.

Scientific editors (ranging in title from assistant, associate, senior, lead, executive) have a Ph.D. (and often postdoctoral and other experience) in the sciences. These editors work with editorial board or within a small editorial group to evaluate manuscripts, manage peer review, and finalize galley proofs. They can read and digest the scientific literature, commission new content such as reviews, attend scientific conferences, write news pieces on published papers, contribute scientific features to a web site. They also attend meetings focused on publishing to keep abreast of key trends in publishing. Lead and executive editors may work with managing editors (see below) and their teams as well as with marketing representatives and a publisher to develop new features for the journal to meet the needs of the authors in print and on the web. Some executive editors are no longer involved in peer review for individual journals and work with the chief editors of a group of journals to enhance journals from the perspectives of authors (see also acquisitions editor).

News Editors have a scientific background (from a B.S. to Ph.D.) and also come in many favors (assistant, associate, senior, etc.). News editors focus on writing and commissioning news pieces (such as highlights, commentaries, perspectives and sometimes reviews) for a journal or group of journals. They are not involved in the process of peer review. Like the executive editors, news editors must keep in close contact with scientists and attend scientific meetings to keep up-to-date on the latest scientific discoveries. News editors work closely with science writers, copyeditors and art directors to develop to ensure appropriate and accessible presentation of the news. They may also work with the managing editor to coordinate the publication of a news piece with specific manuscripts.

The managing editor title means a lot of things to a lot of people, and also comes in many favors (assistant, associate, senior, etc.). Managing editors have a scientific background and/or a strong publishing background. They work with editorial boards to ensure that accepted papers proceed through production in a timely manner, that they receive appropriate press coverage, and are delivered to the web. These managing editors generally manage a small team of news editors, science writers, copyeditors and web masters. They also attend meetings (some scientific and some publishing) and work with the editorial board to develop new print and web features for the journal. They may also work with the publisher to manage the finances of the journal. On rare occasions, a managing editor may manage more than one related journal but generally this role is left to the executive and/or acquisitions editor.

Acquisition editors are similar to publishers –they ensure that a group of journals remain strong and function within budget. They may or may not have a scientific background. They will generally have experience in publishing and some may have a business background. They often interact with scientific editors to obtain an overview of specific subject areas they manage (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.). They develop proposals for launching new products (print and web) and help implement these projects by working with their colleagues in the company. They also manage the financial aspects of the journal ensuring that it is profitable.

Copyeditors may have some (perhaps a B.S. or M.S.) scientific training and they have excellent English language skills. They edit the copy (paper, news feature, etc.) to ensure that the work is accessible to a broader audience and uses the correct grammar. For those who love English and don’t mind spending hours helping an author recast a few sentences, this is the job or you.

Do any of these jobs sound interesting? If so, start reviewing job postings which can be found in the local paper (especially if you are in a big city), publisher websites, and your favorite journal website, society websites. Two sites that may be particularly helpful are ScienceNextwave and Naturejobs. For those looking for copyeditor and science writer positions, you may be better served by MediaBistro and the National Association of Science Writers.

As you read the job descriptions, ask yourself: Do you want to keep working with scientists and reading papers, or would you rather work on the production side? Don’t feel that once you pick one type of publishing job, you’ll be stuck there forever-there are opportunities to move in most publishing companies. Those students interested in the business aspects of publishing should consider whether they want to jump right into an acquisition editor position. Regardless, make sure the job fits your professional aspirations and personal interests.

Once you have picked a few interesting jobs, tailor your resume to highlight the relevant skills for these positions. Think beyond what you have done in graduate school. Do you volunteer? What skills have these positions taught you? Can they be applied to the job? Be sure to include a cover letter (usually one page) stating why you think you’re a good match for the job summarizing the key points in your resume. You may be asked to write something or provide a portfolio of your written work. At the interview, you may also be asked to read a few papers and evaluate them on the spot. You will be asked about the journal to which you are applying-what are its strengths, weakness, how can it be improved? Be prepared to show your scientific prowess, communications skills and creative strengths.

For those with advanced (M.S. or Ph.D.) scientific degrees, what will distinguish you from the pool of other scientists applying for the scientific editor position and what will help you succeed? First and foremost you must have strong communication skills, both written and spoken. You’ll have to write a lot of letters to scientists and to others in the company. You must be able to express your thoughts clearly and accurately. Second, a broad understanding of science and willingness to expand it on the job is essential. Now some of you will say ‘they taught me to focus on a very specific problem in graduate school’. That shouldn’t stop you. Did you learn new concepts from scientific meetings, seminars or group meetings? Did you read review articles outside of your field? If not, then it is time to expand your horizons and begin to develop a broad understanding of science. Third, it’s good to be familiar with writing papers and what makes a WOW paper versus a solid one. Familiarize yourself with the types of papers published in the high tier journals (Cell, Nature, Science) versus those in other journals. What distinguished the papers? Acquiring this skill will help you understand the key features of the papers and get a sense of who writes these top notch manuscripts. Attend meetings and push yourself to talk to key scientists. You may be asked to solicit manuscript and reviews from these scientists so get comfortable talking to everyone and build your network of colleagues. The will come in handy when you need a reviewer or someone to write a review for your journal.

Keep in mind that the corporate world is different from the academic setting. There are many advantages to having a non-NIH funded lab job. There’s an ‘instant gratification’ in seeing the journal go out every month which is usually followed with ‘thanks’ from authors. You’ll expand your scientific horizons by attending scientific meetings and in the process still see and talk to your scientific pals. Your salary is set (no more grants!) and you may receive a bonus for exceptional work. In addition, the benefits are usually quite good and companies often provide training to expand your management skills. You’ll be expected to work 9-5 (sometimes longer if the project requires it). To some this will be a relief-no more late nights in the lab! For those who like working in the wee hours of the night, you’ll have to adjust your sleep schedule. You may also have to ditch the jeans and change your wardrobe. You will likely live in a cubicle. You will have a monthly routine that is essential to producing the journal on time. If you are easily bored with routines, consider whether your volunteer activities will satisfy your creative needs when the job doesn't. You may not get involved in special creative projects until you gain seniority. If you manage people, you will have to learn to motivate your team and work with other groups to achieve business goals. The politics and competition are still there although in most publishing environments it’s not as cut throat as in academia. Pay attention to the environment when you interview to ensure a good fit between you and the company.

The scientific publishing industry is changing quickly so be prepared for a dynamic work place. If you choose to work in publishing, keep an open mind and work towards professional goals without compromising personal needs. Redirecting your career is not easy but it can be very rewarding.

Running A Lab

I have been meditating recently on what it is like to run an academic lab on a daily basis. It is often like herding cats, running a small company and having interns all at the same time. The most unexpected thing about it is personnel issues. Graduate school and postdoctoral research teach you how to be a good researcher but fail to teach how to manage people. Finding a management style that works is tough and I often feel as if I am still finding mine. It evolves as well over time. When you first start out you are close in age and experience to your students and your relationships tend to be, for better or for worse, less formal than later relationships. It can be tough to find the line and be the boss. And often is.