Column

In the search for a job, contacts matter. Peter J. Feibelman explains how to assemble a personal 'old boy' network while still a PhD student or postdoc.

There are ways for researchers to sell themselves — but they shouldn't overdo it, says Mariano A. Loza-Coll.

A heavy administrative burden keeps top academic scientists from doing science, argues Adam James

Before you can tackle the overwhelming task of huge writing projects, you must first put aside some widely held myths, say Maria Gardiner and Hugh Kearns

A tax-law change has dealt a heavy blow to Canadian postdocs, argues Lucie Low

Columnist competition yields six winners.

An advanced degree doesn't always bring the prospects it once did, says Peter Fiske. But scientists can learn from the travails of those with professional qualifications.

It's easy to give in to procrastination — but Hugh Kearns and Maria Gardiner offer some tips for getting your drive back.

Today's reactors are designed to head off Fukushima-style disasters, explains Andrew Sherry. Better blueprints are key to industry safety.

The long-term risks to health of low levels of radiation are still poorly known, says David J. Brenner. A combination of more studies of exposed populations and basic research is needed.

Attention must turn to evacuees in the region.

Lars H. Breimer, Michael E. Breimer and Douwe D. Breimer say doing a postdoc abroad is unnecessary.

Graduate students bear as much responsibility as their mentors for ensuring that they are well guided through their degrees, say Hugh Kearns and Maria Gardiner.

Everyone puts off big tasks with smaller ones, and the only solution is to fight fire with fire, says Fabio Paglieri

Keeping a visible record of your rejected applications can help others to deal with setbacks, says Melanie Stefan.

To get a job these days, don't rely on your adviser — use your own networking skills, says Peter Fiske.

Embracing the unknowns of scientific research is easier when your job has certainty, says Claire Thompson.

University administrators need to understand growing trends if they are to train their postdocs properly and still advance their research efforts, argues Rania Sanford.

The UK government is about to reveal a research spending plan that is too conservative for purpose, warns Colin Macilwain.

Whether money can bring contentment depends on your definition of 'happy', says Philip Ball.