thecoatsociety-blog - Tumblr blog

[thecoatsociety-blog]

We need to change how we perceive alternative careers. There are simply not enough academic jobs for all the scientists being trained, and PhDs can make significant contributions to positions outside of the laboratory setting. If appropriately credentialed, an individual should not be discouraged from pursuing any career.

Read more: Opinion: Encourage alternatives - The Scientist - Magazine of the Life Sciences http://www.the-scientist.com/news/display/57221/#ixzz1tZvmoAcA

[thecoatsociety-blog]

Many scientists are worried more about the long-term effects of being caught in Congress's partisan crossfire. Uncertainty of funding and tight budgets are discouraging some young scientists from pursuing a research career, says Wolf Frommer, a biologist who studies transport in plants at the Carnegie Institution for Science at Stanford in California. "This is affecting science in America in a very dramatic way which most people aren't aware of."

US science agencies brace for shutdown, Nature, 7 April 2011.

[thecoatsociety-blog]

Periodic System Wall Sticker from ferm LIVING

An attractive smattering of random elements to put on your wall. Keep the science flowing.

[thecoatsociety-blog]

(via scientikamx)

[thecoatsociety-blog]

(via zenhabits)

[thecoatsociety-blog]

The scientific enterprise is run on what economists call the 'tournament' model, with practitioners pitted against one another in bitter pursuit of a very rare prize. Given that cheap and disposable trainees — PhD students and postdocs — fuel the entire scientific research enterprise, it is not surprising that few inside the system seem interested in change. A system complicit in this sort of exploitation is at best indifferent and at worst cruel. I have no doubt that most lab heads want the best for their many apprentices, but at the system level, the practice continues. Few academics could afford to warn trainees against entering the ring — if they frightened away their labour force, research would grind to a halt.

-Jennifer Rohn, "Give postdocs a career, not empty promises", Nature 471, 7 (2011).

[thecoatsociety-blog]

A "facebook for scientists" that looks promising.  Check their Career Corner for some interesting write-ups on non-academic careers.

[thecoatsociety-blog]

(via moovmnt)

Yes, I will post anything science related.  And as far as I know, B. Lewis is not a scientist. It'd be great if he was, but his beat tape "Science Within Reason" is nonetheless nice background music for those Mondays in the lab when you're irritable because you lost an hour of sleep (like today).

[thecoatsociety-blog]

Earl Salt and Pepper Shakers

[thecoatsociety-blog]

Great summary about how someone currently getting their Ph.D. discovered scientific writing.

[thecoatsociety-blog]

It's like LinkedIn for us!  I'm totally oversimplifying. 

[thecoatsociety-blog]

Alan Marnett, chemist, entrepreneur, and founder of BenchFly, a "web-based resource and holistic, everyday guide for the entire career of a scientist.”

Read more about Marnett here.

[thecoatsociety-blog]

We like our meat rare, but not that rare!

[thecoatsociety-blog]

WHERE SCIENTISTS WORK: In the US, nearly two-thirds of all science and engineering degree-holders either work in the for-profit sector or are self-employed. When only PhDs are counted, the proportion of those employed in higher education increases (44 percent), but is still less than the combined number of those in industry, in government, and self-employed (48 percent). While the data for other nations vary, these numbers are indicative of major 21st century trends. Graph source: National Science Foundation, Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System, 2003, Science and Engineering Indicators 2008.

(via Seed Magazine)

[thecoatsociety-blog]

Do you think of your cells as the pets you never wanted?  Sometimes can't tell if you're seeing red or mCherry?  Here's a cute gift to give to yourself to symbolize your labors of (hopefully!) love.   Sterling silver microscope necklace from Ball and Chain.

[thecoatsociety-blog]

Happened to catch this the other night, and enjoyed it.  Nice series for those interested in materials science.

[thecoatsociety-blog]

Erika Ebbel:  Biochemist, Pageant Queen

The Coat Society approves:  "Secret Life of Scientists and Engineers"

A great series from PBS on our alternate lives.  What do you outside of your day job?