Job Responsibilities
My major responsibilities are envisioning, planning, and executing
various research projects. The hours are variable, depending on the
experiments being conducted on a particular day. They can range from
all day (9 AM - 8 PM) to half days of experiments. Otherwise, I supervise
post-bacc students who are working in the labs 1-2 years. I have to write
up the experiments for development of manuscripts, write reviews on
various aspects of my research field, and participate in various on-
campus (and off-campus) organizations that help develop my career and
carry out my professional goals.
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Job Requirements
The kind of work that I do requires a PhD (doctorate) degree in science.
There are courses (both academic and career development) offered on
campus but not required for the job. The workload can be relatively
rigorous, depending on how much background knowledge an individual
has prior to starting a project.
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Uppers
Best part of my job: Independence. I have an opportunity to determine my only
daily schedule and project which experiments I will conduct over a certain period
of time. I also enjoy my intellectual freedom in developing the direction of my
project.
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Downers
Worst part of my job: Lack of time. There are so many things that I need
to do (and want to do) but often find myself making opportunity costs on
what I will do on a daily basis.
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Lifestyle
The work hours are variable, depending on the experiments. There is travel to
meetings to present work or for professional development, but it is important not
to try to attend so many meetings that the research cannot be completed. There
are social events on campus and within our particular laboratory group, but this
is a personal choice to attend. Dress code is business casual to very casual,
depending on personal preference. Of course, business dressy is preferred when
presenting work. Diversity is a problem but hopefully will be addressed in the
upcoming years.
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Compensation
The salary is fixed. There is no overtime or compensation time. Fellows
are not "employees" and therefore are not eligible for stock options and
bonuses. They do provide insurance (medical/dental).
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Advice to Jobseekers
Have a plan before starting in this position, both for goals to obtain while
in the fellowship and goals for after leaving the fellowship. This will help
with planning the timetable, etc. for the fellowship period.
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