1/5) Writing my Ph.D. thesis was relatively easy because I always prepared notes/figures/tables on
-protocols I used
-results I obtained
-papers I read
And, in the end, I recycled my notes/figures/tables in the thesis #AcademicChatter
2/5) For example, one of the techniques I used was direct DNA sequencing so for that I processed blood samples, extracted human DNA, performed PCRs, and subjected purified PCR products to sequencing.
3/5) Along with my lab notes, I prepared word documents for each step, noted which salts, buffers, and reagents I used, their quantities, company names, steps for reagent preparation, protocol steps, what I did to troubleshoot, etc.
4/5) documented and labeled gel electrophoresis pictures with sample details (same day when I did them), prepared excel sheets with sequencing results, stored sequencing pdfs and prepared figures for the polymorphism of my interest, etc.
5/5) while reading the papers made summary notes on the methods they used, the results they presented and bullet points on the discussion section.
I hope this helps!
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(1/6) Tips for writing an email - asking for a research opportunity
Subject line:
You should have a clear and simple subject line, which should also reflect the content of your email. It will not only help to keep you out of the spam folder but also help a PI to find you again.
(2/6) Keep it formal:
Don't start the email with "Hey XXX" or "Hi XXX" but start with "Hello Dr. XXX" or "Dear Dr. XXX". Sign off with "Sincerely" followed by your full name. It may sound super formal, but it is a way to show respect.
(3/6) Be to the point:
PIs get a lot of emails, so keep your intro & request short and simple, which doesn't require multiple readings. Clearly state/include your
- research question(s) matching lab interests & don't forget to cite lab papers
-Don't review beyond expertise: it can be tempting to accept an invitation from a reputed journal but don't review beyond your expertise as it can be harmful if you miss something which has a significant influence on the results. @AcademicChatter
(2/7) -Always look for strengths: Pen down the paper strengths and new information, which will help you to decide what recommendation you want to send to the editor. Use the summary of strengths to start the review report and be encouraging to the authors.
(3/7) -Highlight weaknesses: Give constructive criticism as much as possible but always suggest how to overcome weaknesses as the goal should be to strengthen the final output.
(2/7).....making you share authorship, stealing your authorship, inappropriate authorship position, unreal deadlines, poor salary, long working hours, threatening a job loss, visa cancellation or a bad reco-letter, etc.
1/13 As an early career researcher, I find my life is a balancing act of managing family and professional expectations in a competitive world, which is stressful as there is a fear of failure.
2/13 Being a researcher, it is assumed that we are patient & tough to handle the pressure coming from different directions, which can be true for some but not for majority of researchers. Being able to do what we love after many scarifies & hard work can be satisfying......
.......but also stressful, maybe not in the beginning but as we move forward as a researcher.
3/13 As we move from Ph.D. to postdoc, and from postdoc to a faculty position our responsibilities change, from being a team member to a team leader, the level of stress increases.