Like many, I have done my share of fieldwork over the years. I've sampled in both hemispheres. I've been in big groups, small groups and solo. I have been out collecting in -30 degrees Celsius, simultaneously freezing and sweating while hauling logs through the snow. I've worked in plus 48 degrees Celsius with swarms of black flies that are so thirsty they are trying to suck moisture from the corners of your eyes. I've slept in fancy hotels and a tent that was literally being

I have been asked this question many times. Friends, family, strangers, hiring committees, students... many people are interested in personal stories around this topic. I had been thinking about this for a long time. Manu Saunders' recent post for International Day of Women and Girls in Science gave me the kick in the pants I need to finally sit write something - that plus a snowday! (The first academic year annihilates time). Manu's story is very familiar to many. I am a fir

You’re at a conference volunteering at a career information session for graduates and postgraduates. You sit as part of a panel of ‘experts’ informing those brave/eager souls who approach your table (after a beer for courage of course). Your topic – moving for international graduate and postdoctoral positions. During the course of the evening one of your ‘expert’ peers asks how long it has been since you finished your PhD. You reply. Your peer informs you quite loudly that th

It’s a common question. A REALLY common question! Many countries throughout Europe and the Southern Hemisphere (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Singapore) have 3-year PhD programmes (or programs for the US spellers). Meanwhile North Americans typically opt for 5+ years. Why is there such a difference, and is one system better than the other? https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/3503/is-it-true-that-it-is-easier-to-obtain-a-phd-in-europe-than-the-us-on-a

Many ambitious, early career researchers around the world will be considering applying for an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Research Award (DECRA) in the upcoming months and years. And why shouldn’t they? This prestigious award offers over $130,000 per year for three years and, at least within Australia, it vastly increases your chances of securing a coveted tenure-track position. It’s basically the Holy Grail of research grants. However, with only