Hello everyone. I have my first professor interview coming up. Surprisingly the interview is virtual. This is a combo position in that I am a clinician scientist (currently doing a postdoc). It’s a position that involves some clinic, some undergrad and graduate teaching, and the rest of the time for research. I know the head of the department in that they are the same type of clinician as myself so we have met at conferences etc. When I reached out to find out more about the position they seemed excited I was applying and to hear about the postdoc work I was doing (computational after previously doing molecular bio)

1. What’re some run of the mill questions that I can expect during the interview? I imagine if I pass this part they will have me to their city to give a talk, but I don’t truly know.
2. I have been in my current postdoc for the last 4 years during COVID and having a baby (who is 1 now). I have put out a couple decent first author papers recently but my CV is not super heavy. I have done loads of teaching and clinical practice though. I mainly spent the last 4 years learning new skills during lockdowns, developing new bench top protocols, and having/raising a baby. I’m worried there may be some critique of this. I don’t want to just say, “there was COVID and then I had a baby”. But that’s kind of the truth. Any artful ways to answer for my time? I don’t think they know I have an infant.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'm traveling to a military base in Sweden for my research and something has gone wrong with my order of Caco2 cells and they won't be arriving to the base on time, or even a little delayed. I'm hoping I could find a lab that works with them in Stockholm on my way through and kindly acquire some. Does anyone know of a lady in science or lab in Stockholm I could potentially hit up and ask please?

I am a year away from finishing my PhD, working with non-target data from NMR/LCMS where I don't do the instrumental side, but rather the data analysis side with multivariate stats and machine learning for forensic purposes. For example, source attribution to a responsible party for contamination. I would love to do this to help contaminated areas, to hopefully be a piece of the puzzle to get them funds through litigation by helping assign responsibility when able.

I just got back from a conference though, and contract companies that claim to do this, I find all largely are hired/created by these big pharma etc and "not exactly hide data but skew it" when I speak to people working in it willing to be frank with me. Probably already blacklisted myself through asking those sorts of questions, but I would like to know before I get fired for refusing to manipulate the data.

Do you all know of somewhere that is hiring people with my experience? I know it's idealistic, but I'm struggling, and panicking about where the hell I'm going to find work, it all seems to be upper management/instrumental jobs that are hiring regardless.

Dear fellow Ladies of Science,

I am asking you for your insight since I don’t really know how should I feel about this situation.

I (mid 30s, F) work as a scientist in a small lab where everyone besides boss are considered as equal. For 2 years I worked on a project where my coworker X synthesized new chemicals and I did functional screening. Then, based on my results, X adjusted the synthesis strategy and we finally ended up with few new inhibitors that are supposed to go into patent. I consider myself as collaborator and coworker X as the head of the project. I summarized my data from the functional screen into panel with figures, helped with manuscript and forwarded this report to coworker X. I always openly expressed my support for any further development of this project.

Earlier this year I was off the lab for several weeks. I just discovered that during that time my other coworker Y submitted a grant proposal for a new big project that is based on in vivo testing of the new inhibitors. I accidentally found the file with Research Strategy part where I was surprised to see the complete figure from my functional screen. The majority of the preliminary results were from coworker X (who I assume forwarded Y all data as a whole) and few figures were from coworker Y. Coworker X also did corrections on this proposal so there was some agreement between X and Y. I was unaware of anything. I have friendly relationship with coworker Y who shares quite personal information with me and informs me when something interesting or important happens in lab. We briefly talked about grant submission several times. I asked about the topic which Y did not hesitate to disclose but Y never mentioned that my data would be part of it.

 Meanwhile coworker X changed employer where he plans to develop the project further. Y’s grant proposal wasn’t funded but I think Y plans to add more data and resubmit in next round. I don’t have PI ambitions (which I disclosed previously so my coworkers know this) so I didn’t have my own plans for submitting grant or to use the data otherwise. I was hoping for being a co-author in patent which I seriously doubt now.

 I feel sour for not being anyhow informed and all this happening behind my back. I was off for some time but there were many occasions since then where both coworkers could say anything. On personal level they are both very friendly towards me.

Am I wrong to feel left out or is it my ego speaking? How would you feel in my shoes and would you do or say something?

Thanks everyone for your time and response. Sorry for the long post.

Have all great day.

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Has this happened to you? And if yes, how did you deal with it? No wrong answers (Maybe just don’t confess if you punched someone and use a euphemism instead)

32 yo female recently graduated in fall 2023 with PhD in biology (diabetes & obesity). I have been trying to get a job in industry (Indy/midwest) for months. I took a post doc position with the only Pi without academic ties at a research center but surprise he is trying his hardest to get into the same academic environment I wanted out of. Realllly didn’t want a post doc position but I’ve got bills to pay. I don’t want to do bench work and would love to end up in regulatory affairs in the next 5 years. I know I need QC, project lead, or clinical type of position to get the one year RA experience I need to get the RA certification. I’m just feeling defeated after 30+ applications rejected. I’m either overqualified, not enough experience, or rejected on the ones with bench work that aligns with my expertise. I just need to get in an industry environment to get the experience I need. I want nothing more than to buy a house, get out of debt, and live a simple life, but hard to do on 60K salary alone without a financial partner. I feel desperate and depressed. Any advice or reflection on navigating this transition is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Front row seat passenger on the struggle bus

I’m finishing up my bachelors in Biochemistry and for a while my goal has been to get my PhD eventually but i always assumed I would need my Masters first. I feel like my understanding of what happens in post grad education is a bit jumbled. Of course if I could save years just trying to get my PhD I would prefer that but I already have had little confidence on even getting into a masters program. My gpa is only a 3.0 because my first year of college I dealt with a lot of family and mental health stuff, which resulted in me not going to school at all and getting pretty much a 0 gpa my first semester and it was very difficult for me to pull myself back up. Overall I don’t think I’m an impressive candidate so is it hopeless? Would getting a masters first give me a better shot? I’m planning on taking some time off after graduating in the spring to work try to get some lab experience and references under my belt. Any advice would be appreciated I’m feeling very lost right now.

Hi everyone!

The title is pretty self-explanatory. I just discovered this sub and I'm currently in community college preparing to transfer to a four year university. My background is heavily based in sociology and social justice, but recently I've become interested in pursuing STEM for a few different reasons. I've been leaning into the data and applied research side of sociology, but I also find myself really enjoying my general ed courses for physical geography and other life sciences. My biggest problem is that I'm slightly intimidated by the idea of looking into it because I've never had the best experience with subjects like math and I don't want to overwhelm myself with something that I may not have the capacity for if that makes sense. (it's probably just the self-sabotage speaking, lol.)

I wanted to know if anyone had any advice on areas of interest I should consider for a potential double-major or minor with the academic experience I already have — it'd be much appreciated!

Hi, i'm 28 F, based in the US, and i live on the west coast. i'm interested in applying for phd in biostatistics programs next cycle and would like some advice..

I have an admittedly bad ug gpa, but i did improve in my master's. My question was if the improvement was enough to overcome my bad gpa to be considered for admissions, along with other aspects of my app or should i go back and retake some of my ug classes or do a 2nd masters program.

stats:

Major/GPA:

• UG: Biology BS/2.59
• G: Biostats MS/3.42

Research:

• 1 mid author paper as a biostatistician for a research project at R1
• 1 mid author paper on the way as a former consultant for a program at R1
• potentially will get more papers at current job, may/may not be 1st author, not R1 but at well-known hospital research org with proven track record of publishing clinical research
• ~1 abstracts at R1
• 2 research posters presented at conference, 1 during UG, 1 during G
• ~3.5 years at R1 as research assistant (1 yr UG, 2.5yrs G)

Tests:

GRE 310 (160V/150Q/4.0)

• Will retake to get a better quant score

Work experience:

• Worked in research lab part time to support myself and pay for school.
• I work full time now as an analyst at a research org.

Letters:

• 1 academic: trying to get letters from professors from master's program
• 2 faculty: 1 mentor at R1, another a PI at R1
• 1 supervisor : potentially manager at current job if others fall through

I would appreciate it if you could give me an evaluation. I haven't started applying yet but i've identified some schools of interest and some professors of interest. I plan to apply in the Fall 2025 cycle, and i also am thinking of reachiing out to professors early-mid 2025 as well.

Potential plan:

My plan is to spend the next year to try and get 1st author papers, and if not mid-author papers to help improve my chances. If my gpa is still too low, should I do another masters?

Thank you so much for your help.

Hi ladies! I’m getting ready to graduate with an MS in molecular biology. I have a BS in psychology but became interested in genetics and entered a post-bacc and eventually a Master’s program where I will graduate from in December.

I am applying to PhD programs but worry my unrelated undergraduate degree will stop me from being accepted. If I don’t get in this cycle I plan on working and returning to school for a second BS in a related field.

Does anyone have any advice or insight about where/how I should look for employment? My school’s career center has been pretty unhelpful in this process. How do I go about looking for a job? Should I apply for entry level (BS required) jobs in my field? I have 2.5 years of research experience as an assistant at my school including my thesis project.

Any advice would be really helpful and appreciated!

Thank you!

I am a late diagnosed AuDHD lady of science, and was inspired by a commenter (here?) who had a friend keep remind them until they booked a medical appointment, to make a sub for that purpose.. then I lost the comment/post/sub so I wasn’t able to thank them.

I’d love to invite you to join r/FocusFriends A supportive, no-judgment community for Autistic and ADHD women. We know starting tasks can be tough, and even small goals can feel daunting. It’s okay if you don’t accomplish everything—this space is all about acceptance and support. 💖 Share tasks you’d like to tackle, and fellow members will provide reminders, encouragement, and motivation. Together, we’ll combat distractions and celebrate our successes, understanding it’s okay to take things at your own pace. 🚀✨

Hi all!!

I just recently found out I’m pregnant (4 weeks) and work in a lab as a scientist. We’re a small company and have just 10 people on our lab team so everyone has a pretty full plate of work.

I’m concerned because our lab regularly uses trizol for rna extraction which I’ve heard is not good to be around during the first trimester. Our company doesn’t have EHS or anything similar since we’re so small so all the info I’ve been gaining has been through google.

I have one coworker who has 2 kids who said she worked with trizol in both pregnancies and just ensured she wore proper PPE, worked in the fume hood, and wore an N95 as an extra precaution.

I’m wondering if anyone has any advice on if I should just continue to work with trizol with increased PPE or is it a hard DO NOT work with when pregnant.

Thanks :)

I worked in cognitive neuroscience research for 12 years. but I had an incredibly niche job that doesn't transfer to anything else at all. So, 10 years ago I switched to tech so I could have the freedom to travel. work remotely, and live in the middle of nowhere like I prefer.

Tech makes me miserable though and I keep getting laid off every 2-3 years, meaning it's impossible to save. I'm 40 and feel like I'm just a total failure after losing my job for not being able to call in and repot my absence during Hurricane Helene. And let's face it, I'm getting replaced by AI so the time to change my career is now.

My previous career was as a lab manager, study designer, and animal trainer for nonhuman primate studies primarily on cognition and memory - though I did a lot of stroke and vaccine research as well.

I'm at the end of my rope and want a job in science again. Working in SaaS is killing my soul selling and supporting products I care nothing about. My career in tech was primarily operations management, automations, and client facing financial management.

Any idea of remote jobs to work in science? I have to work remotely due to where I live. I have the opportunity to get certifications or more degrees thanks to disaster scholarships. so I'm ready to put in the work!

Science based tech companies sound amazing, but I am just not familiar with the industry or how to market myself.

Any advice or mentoring appreciated! I'm going at this blind, as I'm the only woman in my entire extended family to have a university degree and the only person to go into science. My former colleagues know nothing about remote work and have long since retired as well. Thank you < 3

I am a highschool student in my Junior year. These past few years I have been very interested in microbiology (specifically environmental microbiology and extreme microbiology) and that is generally what I have told my parents when they have asked what I plan on doing with my life.

However, as of late I have also become very interested in astronomy/physics, I am not enjoying biology class nearly as much as I enjoy reading about microbiology, and in addition to that, I realized that I really do not want to hurt mice (I have never planned on doing medical microbiology or immunology so I don’t know if that will be a problem, but I’m concerned I would be forced to regardless)

I am very passionate about the sciences but I don’t know how to decide which is right for me when I’m too young to have real experience, and I’m afraid of picking the “wrong” field and it being too late to change now.

Does anyone have any advice on how to figure out what to pick or whether it’s too late? It seems like everyone else in my grade has already figured out exactly what they’re doing so I am just nervous about exploring different options.

I have a very important presentation coming up in November end. I am from tropical country and currently doing my PhD in cold country. My everyday dress code is pretty relaxed and I never had to think about wearing formals. But I am lost what to do for my upcoming presentation. I work in a research institute with no women except me. And for me its causing me anxiety on what to wear. I have a business suit/blazers, a mantel in camel color. My idea is to wear a sweater with pants and then a blazer. Probably would have to wear coat as well. But I am afraid it would look weird or get too hot indoors. Maybe I am overthinking, but googling didn't help me much. Kindly suggest me some options. Thank you

I recently left my PhD, and I'm upset at the terms under which I left. I left mostly because I wasn't smart enough and I was struggling to do the research I was given, and this was making my advisor and my lab mates (all men) think I was lazy and unproductive.

I feel like every time I hear about someone quitting their PhD, it's not because they're incapable, it's usually because their interests or their life situation has changed. I feel like the only person who's ever been forced to leave a field they're passionate about simply because they truly couldn't do it. Does anyone have advice on how I should move forward in my life? I don't ever want to touch science ever again, but I'm struggling to apply to jobs because I'm not passionate about anything else.

Hello!

I'm a current medical/ graduate student about to start the PhD portion of my program, and I've been having a dilemma for several months now that I don't know where else to really ask. I've wanted to do research and science since I was very young, and I think I had been drawn to how expansive and ever-progressive science is. I find a lot of things, especially in biology, really cool in how interwoven different systems are, and (much later) I also became interested in medicine and taking care of patients and their families. I like research and science more for my own sake, whereas for patientcare, I think that it's so meaningful to be able to touch someone's heart and to do something to cure, or at least help and listen, to them. I think it would be wonderful if I could use something that I really like and can feel happy spending time with (research/ science) for the sake of others (medicine). But overall, I came into science because I was curious of it, rather than anything much grander than that.

I met my boyfriend in school, who is also in the same program but a couple years ahead of me. We first bonded because we had such similar interests and ideas/ feelings about medicine and doing research rigorously so that it can mean something in the search of truth. I really admire him and look up to him very much, and I'm really proud of all the things that he's accomplished (both while in school and also beforehand). His goals are very ambitious, much more so than mine, and he wants to use research to "save the world" and to change how science can be seen or done, and to be at the very top of academia one day. He's so capable, and I have absolutely no doubt that someone like him can do it, and I/ we know that academia is harsh and competitive, but (in my obviously biased eyes) he's more ahead of everyone in his year, much less me, and doing work and making his own collaborations far beyond what anyone normally expects of a first year graduate student.

Recently I've been trying to think about what to do for my thesis and also my future. I can't help but compare myself to him, and it's making me doubt what I want to do. I've thought that I wanted to be in academia and that working hard or the competitive environment wouldn't bother me because I can be given the opportunity to work on projects or topics that could be interesting to me. I don't really want to have the same goals as my boyfriend, and I don't think I want to be at the top of academia necessarily. But I also don't want to be compared to him or to be seen as someone just in relationship to him (we're also interested in generally the same field of science too). I know that I'm placing a lot of pressure on myself and that it's not from anyone else, but it's making me feel unhappy thinking of what to do for my thesis because in my head, it's now no longer good enough to just be interesting to me, but it has to actually be meaningful in some incredible way. And ideas that I have are either not good enough, not creative enough, rely too much on opinions from others, etc. and I end up trapped in a hamster wheel where everything is bad because it's me and because I'm just not cut out for academia/ "academia's not for everyone", which maybe it's true but it makes me incredibly sad too. Maybe the answer is to give up because I'm not good enough and I should focus on just medicine instead (still a very good, meaningful career that can help others), but the idea of doing something because I'm giving up on it feels bitter (but maybe I'm just being too prideful/ egotistical in thinking that I can do something meaningful like my boyfriend too). My partner tells me that I shouldn't try to be doing the same things as him because his goals aren't everyone's goals, but also, to me it sounds like he's telling me that I should give up because I can never do anything like him (which obviously he hasn't said, but it gives me a sense of emptiness and sadness too).

I feel horrible that I have such thoughts and resentment/ jealousy towards him, and it's come to a point where I wonder if he deserves someone better than me who can fully support his dreams. I wonder if these are issues that can be overcome. I've tried talking to a therapist about it a couple times, but I still keep on having these thoughts and depressed feelings about this for months on end. I'm sorry for the long rant, but I just don't know who or where else to ask these things. Thank you for taking the time to read this long post.

Hi! I have a 4 year old daughter who has shown a LOT of interest in space. She is adamant about going to space one day and wants to see the stars and planets. We have a telescope and we’ll check out planets when we are able to and talk about space but wondering what else we can do. Due to her age there aren’t a lot of local groups she can get involved in because they’re all for older kids. So I’m not sure what else we can do. I found some science programs in our area but every time I look into it more I’m told it is still “in the works” or she isn’t old enough to participate. She loves the moon, Neptune and Saturn. We show her pictures and talk about what makes each one unique, get books about science from the library, etc. I fully understand her interest may change as she gets older but we always encourage anything she shows interest in. Just not sure where else to look.

Hello! I'm a lab tech who works with mice, and recently I've been driven crazy by my fly away hairs getting in my face (it keeps making my nose/face itchy and I can't touch my face with my gloves). I have very slippery hair, so most of the headbands I try side out of my hair if it's up in a pony tail. Does anyone have recommendations for super grippy headbands?

Thank you!!

In my university, we need to team up in pairs to complete our undergrad research thesis.

My partner is a good guy but he has tons of problems relating to his family and mental health which is why he has been pretty much absent since the start.

Our project requires a significant amount of coding. I am usually the one grinding 6+ hours everyday working on this damn project on top of my classes, coding, preparing reports and updating and meeting with my supervisors.

Last week, during a meeting one supervisor (who doesn’t come to meetings regularly) started complimenting our project and how he heard so many good things from our other supervisor. And then he says, “Thank you for keeping us updated and preparing reports. You must be a good writer. X (my partners name) must be a BRILLIANT programmer and researcher to set up this project within a few months).”

I know this is petty but this made me almost cry. I haven’t had a good nights sleep or enjoyed a single weekend in a long long time. I spent an unimaginable number of hours studying and modifying the most intricate models and coding them for the project only to have my supervisor brush me off.

Hi there! Sorry if this isn't exactly the right place to post this, as I am intersex and not quite a woman (but I've gotten the OK to go to my local women in science groups), but I'm not sure where you all find people who want to actually discuss science and not just discuss venture capital firms for science (understandable because academia isn't financially sustainable or an option for everyone). I'm fine with networking because I feel like that is something I can use. Also, even there are a few events surrounding scientific research and outreach, and I'm not sure if I'm just missing the few people who attend the various women in science groups because of my work and other commitments? (Also am not currently in university but I do hold a bachelor's degree, so that makes things a bit tougher). Do you know of any other groups that are worth checking out other than say seminars and university department events related to science? Maybe a general group that focused more exclusively on scientific work like ACS (American Chemical Society), APS (American Physical Society) or AMS (American Mathematical Society)?

Do you have any ideas for places online where I can meet such people? I already am following the appropriate subreddits for these types of discussions and have talked with people about science but sometimes our conversations just fizzle out?

Hey my fellow ladies of science! I got my first job as a project associate for an agricultural microbiology project. I was wondering if you guys have any tips on what I should keep in mind for my first ever job! Any advice would be really helpful 😊

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