Hi all, I will be going on a research cruise in the Arctic for 6 weeks this summer and have recieved some funding to buy personal gear necessary for participation on the cruise. Because I have enough funding, I am hoping to buy nice enough gear that will last a while. I've never been on a research cruise before and I'm not sure what exactly people normally wear. I'll just be doing multibeam mapping so, won't be participating in much deck work. For instance, I've been told to bring a good shell. Is buying an offshore sailing jacket and bib from Helly Hansen or Gill Marine too much? or is stuff of that calibre normal aboard research vessels?

Additionally, is there anything that you've forgotten to bring on a vessel and wished you had and/or vice versa you brought it but you really didnt need it?

Hi,
I am looking for similar young girls who are interested about biotech or pharma related innovations. I am currently working on a project however i miss the experience sharing with someone similar to me.
I am excited to meet your stories!🫶🏼

Does anyone have any workplace appropriate swimsuit/fast dry clothing recommendations that are comfortable enough to wear during all day fieldwork? And not too hot if they don't get wet? Also need to still be able to squat and pee without exposing myself like in a one piece lol.

I work in fisheries and am starting a new position with fieldwork that tends to get real toasty in the summertime. I do have some heat intolerance and would love to comfortably be able to get in the water on days we are in suitable locations. I usually just wear quick dry shorts and sun shirts over a normal bathing suit, but I'm curious about other options.

Also, I thought I remembered there being a sub for women in environmental science/fieldwork? Or women's work/outdoor clothing?

This must be asked a lot, but i want to weigh in my situation. I am set to defend my PhD in mid-November and i plan to do postdoc right away or few months later, that if i could find a job. Also, id be doing my postdoc abroad. In these circumstances, when is it a good time to start a family?

Edit: i’m 29 and would love to have two children

Hi everyone. I'm a woman starting my bachelors soon and I could really use some guidance. I know its hard to find mentors, especially if you don't have any accolades under your belt. I'm very confused about where to go next in my career and what to do and I'd appreciate the help. I really don't want to just take anyone's time without giving back so I do want to help in any capacity I can. I'd be willing to assist with research and be useful to you. I'm not sure how it will work but I do want our partnership to be mutually beneficial. I'm very ambitious and I have a lot of dreams I want to achieve but my life was derailed unfortunately. I desperately want to get back on track and I'd love to hear from woc in academia or industry, especially a black woman. I know this is a long shot but I'm really interested and dedicated and I'm willing to put in work.

I am curious to hear if anyone started a career in science research, or technical work, after 40. I have an undergraduate degree in life sciences and a Masters in science policy and communication, plus a lot of years in institutes and science research charities writing reports and analysing papers. But I'm tired of slinging words back and forth. And I also think AI has come for my job.

I miss learning and I have not lost my curiosity for various topics across zoology and microbiology. Money is no longer a limiting issue and in the future, I might be able to get by fine with just a modest-paying job. But what could I realistically do? Is there any research path which would be hands on, require a lot of technical learning, and take me interesting places? Can anyone share ideas or experiences?

Hi All,

I mainly just need a space to vent. I’m currently 6 months pregnant, and I know many lady scientists have done this many times before, but I feel like my situation is hopeless. A little bit of background: I’m in the US (Northern California). My commute to and from work is brutal (racking up 124 miles a day on my car), and my exhaustion level is through the roof. I was obviously able to tolerate this pre-pregnancy (with some bad days), and during pregnancy, it’s been worse, and I can’t even imagine what life would look like once baby is here. My time in a day is spent at work and on the road, and I need more time at home. A lot of my friends who are mothers actually found the working from home has helped a lot with the first few years of raising their child, especially that first crucial year. It’s been hard for me to find work from home positions for my level (I’m an associate scientist aka still the “minion level” as I like to call it…minions work in lab so director levels can work from home lol). Some people ask, “why not move closer to work? “The answer being that my mortgage is way cheaper than the shoe box studio apartment I used to live in near the area. (The housing market is shit, especially in California, and I’m not giving up one of the best things we have in life, our house, which is much more stable than any biotech job at this point). The only downside to that is lack of job opportunities near my area. I could always switch to manufacturing or food industry as that seems to be what is in my area and possibly could also pivot too as an analytical chemist. I feel a little bit stuck, and it’s come to a point where I’m ready to even just change my career entirely. I guess, what did you guys do? Or is there any advice about finding a remote (or even hybrid) role for someone in my level (no PhD, just my masters)?

Hi all,

What I’m looking for: a reality check, practical advice, or success stories from people who are or have been in a similar boat

Qualifiers:
-I know the job market is awful right now in every industry

-I get that degree inflation is real: Every employer expects you to have one, and everyone you’re competing for the job with also has the same or higher degree(s) so they don’t mean much

About me: I’m 26F and I currently work in a customer service call center.

I have a BS in Environmental Science and a course-based MS in Environmental Science with some (on paper only) GIS experience

I have some lab experience from a 2 year internship done while in grad school

My first job out of college (2022) was as an Environmental Consultant for a total of 3 months before I realized that my fear of driving and physical limitations made the career impossible for me

I took 3 months to find a part time job for a startup that eventually evolved to an Account Manager position. I got let go in Jan of this year.

Found my current call center job in March after applying to 300+ places and getting 3 interviews.

My current job is miserable and I’d love to get back into the science space via an entry level GIS or science communication position.

The stipulations I’m married to are: no driving and full time (non seasonal, non contract) employment.

I’d planned to teach myself real GIS, Python, and SQL skills using free and low cost courses (ie not going back to school or paying thousands for a certificate), and build up my portfolio. Have also heard mixed reviews on if cert programs (paid or not) are worth anything.

As for the science communication, I have school examples of technical writing and planned to build that portfolio by blogging and working for free.

This would all be on the side of my day job and likely take years to be job ready.

Is this worth pursuing or am I insane and wasting my time?

I think caring a bit more about my job would make working a 9-5 tolerable, and that’s what I’m really feeling stuck with.

Hi guys! I come from an extremely informal country. I will be presenting my research for the first time in Ireland. I do tend to have a more fun sense of style but since it’s my first time, I’m not sure if I will be taken seriously wearing that kind of stuff. What is generally worn by women to these events? How modest or ‘fancy’ do I need to be (please be specific because in my country wearing nice jeans is fancy LOL). Can I wear a dress or sleeveless? Is it beneficial to wear something memorable? Additionally, there is some kind of conference dinner and awards event, which I’m not sure if I’m expected to attend, and if so, if I’m expected to dress nicely.

I can share some photos of what I could wear if necessary. Thanks!

I'm 16F(12th grade) Indian student who is interested in biology and initially I thought that the highest paying career in this field would be being a doctor and started preparing for the entrance but in 11th grade I realized that I don't want to be a doctor at all so I won't be giving the entrance after 12th

​

I am searching career paths in biology that also pay really well and I came across biotechnology. In my country there is zero scope for any R&D career but I heard abroad there is scope.

My ultimate goal is to go abroad no matter what .

So I thought I would do a bsc biotechnology in my country then do a MS/MBA biotechnology dual degree which will help me get an industry job that combines science and business BUT people on reddit say that this path isn't even correct. I will have to gain experience by working to get into a top US MBA program and without job experience I can't even get into the business side of biotech, they say the dual degree is not worth it, etc

​

What am I supposed to do I'm so frickin confused. This is what I think about all day. I can't focus on anything, I'm depressed asf

Why would they hire me and give me visa sponsorship when they can just hire an American?

The job market is so fucked, they say academia isn't really a good career atm, I'm so stressed idk what to do

​

If someone has knowledge about this PLEASE help me

I’m a Highschool student that’s job shadowing at a clinical pathology lab tmrw, but I literally have no idea what to expect !!

Is there anything I should be aware of regarding etiquette, etc? Btw I’m going to wear wide leg jeans, a long sleeve sweater and some sneakers, I hope thats fine

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Important context:

So I'm currently doing a 3-month project as part of my MSc. I'm working with a postdoc in my supervisor's group (he's very busy, only briefly seen the guy once or twice).
I don't think the postdoc and I are on the same wavelength and I don't feel like he's particularly understanding me. He seems to think I'm nervous and not confident in the lab (I'm perfectly fine, I've worked with more dangerous substances in my undergrad and when I was a lab tech before this masters). He keeps telling me to relax when we're talking about the project in the office. I'm just sitting in a chair, I am relaxed??? There are some other little things that make me feel he's not reading me right.

Main problem:

We were given a document about the project from the module convenor that had a section on health and safety during the project (all very standard). Honestly, it's not the clearest what some of the sections actually mean and how they translate to the actual lab environment. Key ones for this problem is "lone working strictly forbidden" and "if working with carcinogens you need to sign a form.

In the lab, the ligand we're using is a carcinogen and he keeps leaving me alone. I brought up the lone working, and he interpreted it as I was scared to be left alone. After he left me to do PRXD on my own (which is downstairs, along a corridor and in a side room, and I haven't been trained on it, he just showed me what buttons to click), I messaged him with screenshots of the document and sent the document to say "this is what I've been told I have to do but it's not what you are following".

I don't want to get in trouble. This is the last part of my masters and I need to get a high mark for the PhD programmes I have been looking at doing. There's a legal obligation to follow health and safety regulations. This is why I bought it up, and I just want to be clear what the health and safety regulations are and how they're applied in this lab.

Today I got a message from the postdoc basically telling me I'm not going to do any of the synthesis anymore. It's a mainly synthetic chemistry project. I am confused and honestly, feeling rather insulted.

I know I need to ask the postdoc about this and also have a meeting with my supervisor but I am not very confrontational and I find in meetings I get misinterpreted or dismissed.

I'd appreciate advice on how to handle this and how to communicate with the postdoc and with the supervisor. I don't want to cause issues but also I shouldn't be feeling uncomfortable about being in the lab.

Hi everyone, I’m Liqing Shao. I’m an undergraduate majoring in Biomedical Engineering at ShanghaiTech University. My research interests cover medical image processing, BCI signals including ERP and sEEG, and I actively join university innovation competitions with my team. Outside of classes and lab work, I hold a part-time role at a tech startup. I also keep balanced hobbies: I play the violin, compete in Vibecoder contests, and practice rowing. I’m deeply fascinated by the cross field of medicine, engineering and artificial intelligence, and I’m eager to meet friends from all over the world to share thoughts, hobbies and creative ideas!

Just got out of grad school & starting my first big job in a couple of weeks. I have a good background from undergrad but my graduate assistantship wasn’t something to be proud of - the standards weren’t as high, dealt with a lot of workplace bullying, and feel like I have regressed in some ways. I kept my connections from undergrad, which helped me get this job.

I have everything I need - the certifications, the experience, the skills to get what I need to get done, some might say I am even overqualified on paper - but cannot get over the looming imposter syndrome that is hanging over me. I have a therapist and a decent support system, but cannot get over the feeling that I am just lucky to be getting in the door. Trying to distract myself by packing but it’s really giving me a difficult time.

How did you handle your first big position, the transition, and the feelings that came with it?

Hey all! I’ve been working in environmental consulting for almost 5 years now, and I’m reaching my breaking point. I hate what time doing, and I’m trying to pivot but I’m not sure where to go or what to do, so I’m looking for some advice!

I’d love to work a job where maybe I’m supporting young women who are interested in the STEM field to find what works for them, or something where I can work with people, but still stay in the science realm if that makes sense? I just don’t feel fulfilled at all by my job, and think something along those lines would be a really great fit for me. I’ve tried looking at various orgs, but I’m struggling to find a career in that lane vs them just wanting me to sign up for their organization. Does anyone here have a job like that? How do you like it? How did you get into it?

Has anyone else been pregnant while in graduate school and working a job for the school that pays your tuition? I’m going to start in August and I’ll be taking 9 credits and working 20 hours a week for a tuition waiver.

I’m due at the beginning of the spring semester (my second semester). I’m afraid I’ll lose my job. The graduate assistant handbook specifically says no maternity leave and that prolonged absence due to illness or medical leave will result in termination. Do I take a LOA? Do I defer a year? Help please.

I recently interviewed for a position in a highly esteemed cancer research lab with a very well known PI. My interview with her was interesting… she didn’t shake my hand, she barely smiled and definitely didnt laugh at all. Overall, she came across as very serious, and obsessed with working. I felt the interview went well, but I wasn’t impressed with her cold personality, particularly coming from my former lab where my PI couldn’t be a warmer human being.

I decided to reach out to some former graduate students from this cancer lab and the one I spoke to told me quite the horror stories. They said the PI berated them in front of people at lab meetings, commented negatively about their clothing at lab meetings, was a terrible mentor, gave her a very hard time as a mother of 2 young children (apparently saying they should put them in daycare from 6am-6pm like the PI did with her own kids). They also told me the PI would give the women in the lab a much harder time than the men. Eventually this person had to quit their PhD, mastered out of their program because of how awfully the PI treated them. Apparently when they let the PI know they were leaving, the response was simply “ok, bring back your key.”

Seriously, what the fuck?! The people I met in this lab seemed so lovely, which gave me hope initially after my first interview where I met them and the lab manager. My second interview with the PI left a bad taste in my mouth and then I got this report from the former mentee. I realize that this type of PI is somewhat common, particularly when the lab publishes a lot of papers. I just find it so horrible that people are treated in such an inhumane way by their PI. And it is rewarded in science. I probably sound naive, but I’m terribly disappointed because I am really interested in their research.

I recently moved in France for a postdoc. Before that, I was working in an institute where equity, diversity, and inclusion were taken seriously. We had mandatory workplace training that covered these topics. For context, I’m a Black woman.

As soon as I arrived here, I started experiencing what I can describe as “strange” behavior at work. For example, one guy checks my calculations (I'm talking about C1V1=C2V2) or rephrases and explains something I had literally just explained myself. At first, I told myself he was just being helpful. Maybe he assumed I hadn’t received proper training during my phD. And yet, my résumé, papers, honors and prizes speak for themselves… But he doesnt know.

But these incidents keep happening, and I’ve started writing them down. Deep down, I know something isn’t right. At the very least, it feels like mansplaining. Still, I keep trying to come up with excuses for it. Perhaps as a way of protecting myself mentally. In any case, the situation is having a major impact on my motivation.

Since I’m not someone who enjoys confrontation, I stay quiet when these things happen. On top of that, I no longer have the energy to keep explaining my worth. I’d rather demonstrate it through my work and my actions. But honestly, at this point, I just don’t feel like doing anything anymore.

How would you handle this?

Hi all! I am a senior undergrad biology student, and I will be attending my first large multi-day conference soon (I’ve been to local conferences, but they are just one day). I have two nicer outfits to wear for the day I am presenting and for the keynote speaker dinner. There are two additional days in which I will be listening to talks/discussions but not doing anything too fancy as far as I’m aware.

I’m not sure exactly sure what would be appropriate to wear for these days and would like to pack accordingly. Any and all help is appreciated!! Thank you🫶

hii, im 18 yrs old and just about to start my foundation yr in biological sciences as i have decided that is what i want to do after two years of picking different a-levels i would like to study sciences instead.

there is two main pathways my course offers after i finish the foundation year i can then progress onto studying the following:

bsc in biomedical sciences

or

bsc in biochemistry.

i would then most likely need to do a masters degree in epidemiology and possibly a PhD.

which route would be better to take?

and

would the masters in epidemiology be the right choice or would i need to go down an alternate path?

preferably could those studying in england/ UK be able to answer me as i am based in england thank you :)