I’m still recovering from the Glastonbury festival of geosciences. What was the question again? Unrealistic expectations… Ah, wait. Found it. So Amina asks: Why is there an implicit expectation for postdoc mobility? Dear Amina, Why did you have to choose this question? My short answer is, it’s like you are stuck in quicksand. But I …[Read More]
The news has been super depressing, I need to hit myself deep in escapism. I hope this month’s question will be easy. Let’s see what we have this month …*two hours later*… So, Robin asks: Some of the projects I’m involved in during my postdoc aren’t directly related to the grant funding of my salary. …[Read More]
From 22°C December to 6°C (end of) March… Something feels off. Maybe the climate also decided to change fields. So Denise asks: How feasible is it to change your field as a postdoc when you’re terrified of being ghosted by hiring committees or getting rejection letters? Dear Denise, Sure. I mean, why not? Changing to …[Read More]
Science Sisters is a lighthearted interview series where Iris van Zelst (postdoc at the German Aerospace Center) chats with lots of different people (with a focus on – but not limited to – women in science) to make some sense of the academic world. Filled with laughter and silliness, it explores different career paths, academic life, …[Read More]
Congratulations, you resilient academic warrior! You’ve made it through the year without evaporating like a snowflake in July. Now, brace yourself for the gift I’ve carefully curated just for you. Spoiler alert: It’s not a reset button for life, though I’m sure some folks desperately need one. Now, let’s unwrap the gift of wisdom. Leena …[Read More]
You guessed it right, it’s that time of the month when I emerge from my lair, ready to share some of my great wisdom to help you navigate this scorching October. Seriously, my climate crisis depression has me in its grip but I’m here to cool us down a little bit, no worries. So, this …[Read More]
Good morning, dear readers, this is your editor-in-chief speaking. We are currently experiencing some difficulties in academia, but we ask you to stay calm and remain in your seats with the seatbelt fastened. In the event of loss of pressure, make sure to publish your own paper first (to increase the pressure on your peers). …[Read More]
Postdoc appointments: the forgotten terrace of Purgatory. Where researchers are sentenced to linger till either a position opens in the Heaven of permanent contracts, or they realise that, after all, they are not interested anymore. This terrace is composed of different levels of various length. Nobody knows how many levels there are and how long …[Read More]
Despite finishing his experiments and writing up his thesis during a pandemic, Markus wants to keep climbing the academic pyramid. Reflecting on some of his choices during his PhD, he now asks: I didn’t spend anytime building my network during my PhD. Can I get a postdoc? Dear Markus, Of course! Academia represents the pursuit …[Read More]
T-Low feels a little insecure whether that specific niche of the broad spectrum of science merits all of the effort put in: Every now and then I’m starting to wonder if my little branch of science is really worth doing? And if not, which one is? And why? Dear T-Low, Stay doing what you’re doing. …[Read More]
