Group Meeting

Summer, 2007

Past Years

2005 - (1) Overview of the lab’s projects(2) Future directions for the lab(3) Strategies for success at the bench(4) When to submit your manuscript(5) How to run a lab

2006 - (1) How do you do good science?(2) How do you manage time effectively?(3) Are there specific strategies that promote scientific success?

2004 - Principles of responding to critiques of your your manuscript or grant

2003 - Effective time management

2002 - When to begin writing

WARNING:

Taking advice can be hazardous.

This year’s marching orders…

1. What are the differences between working in industry and academia?

2. What makes a good mentor?

3. How do you write a scientific paper?

Academia vs. Industry

Academia - Research Universities/Institutes - Primary focus is research. Stressful tenure process early, but stability later. - Colleges - Primary focus is teaching. Also subject to tenure process.

Industry- Big Pharma v. BiotechBoth primarily focused on research that pays soon. As a job, big pharma is more stable than biotech, but may offer less freedom. Research programs can be cut rapidly.

Academia Biotech Pharma

Intellectual freedom

High Variable Typically low

Salary Relatively low Variable

(options)

Relatively high

Job security High Low Intermediate

Project stability

Relatively high Can be low Can be low

Life-work balance

Relatively poor

Variable Relatively good

Teamwork Variable Relatively high Essential

Flexibility High Variable Low

Career Development

Options more limited

Variable Many options

What makes a good mentor?

• Surprisingly controversial

• Two extreme views:

Sink or swim

v.

“Mother”

• What is your view of training? Are people a means to an end or an end themselves?

• Can it be learned?

Mentor - in ancient Greek mythology, Mentor was the teacher and guide of Telemachus, son of Odysseus. Mentor was actually Athena (the Goddess of Wisdom) in disguise.

What makes a good mentor?

• Caring

• Empathy (What is your E.Q.?)

• Accessibility

• Generosity / unselfishness

• Appreciating individuality

• Acting on principle consistently

• The need to develop; role of patience & independence

• Honesty / integrity

• Savvy: tactical and strategic thinkingAdapted partly from HHMI / BW Handbook, Nature’s guide for mentors, my own experience

What makes a good mentor?(what I have learned trying)

• Recognize your limits. Some things you can fix, some you can not. Make the most of what they have. People aren’t Legos.

• Prepare for disappointment. Appreciate the unexpected result (what others might call failure).

• Ask your mentee what they think they need.

• There is nothing new under the sun. Benefit from those around you.

• Enthusiasm in the mentor is essential but motivation (in science) in the mentee has to come from within.

• Why publish at all?- Its what we do- Essential for careeradvancement- Essential for obtainingand maintaining funding

How to Write a Scientific Paper

• How much?As a post-doc: I was taught a paper per year.The BWF/HHMI handbook suggests first authoron 2 or more with one being a high profile paperbefore job hunting.

As a grad student: A common standard at UCSFis one high profile paper or two lesser papers.

How to Write a Scientific Paper

• When to start?- If you have a key biological finding or if you have developed an important assay or model.

• Why start so early?- Encourages efficiency, creativity, and greater“value added” to the introduction and discussion.

• How do I start?- Make an outline- Make two more with the same starting point butwith different endings- Draw the figures (with controls)- Write out the transition sentences long hand

How to Write a Scientific Paper• Abstract

Goal: To summarize a finding(s) and excite the reader(1) Tight as a poem but accessible and conceptual;easily grasped(2) Features the key result(s) in a nutshell

• IntroductionGoal: Setting the stage: What is the unresolvedquestion(s) that this research addresses and why is itso important?(1) “Brain storm” first about all the ways that yourwork can or could relate to that of the widercommunity. Think in terms of the big picture and oneresult at a time.(2) Space: Edit, of course, but pick the best ideas.(3) Ends with a summary

How to Write a Scientific Paper• Results

Goal: To tell a memorable story that leaves the readerconvinced they have learned something new andsignificant. (1) The narrative (organization + transitions) is critical. (2) Set the stage and draw conclusions along the way.

• DiscussionGoal: To add significance to the work.(1) Usually starts with a summary, but a discussion

thatis a simple recitation of the results is a complete waste.(2) What is the broader significance? Brain storm eachresult and the big picture.(3) Making connections one step away is encouraged.Two steps away and it becomes speculation - use itsparingly: once and no more than twice per paper.

Troubleshooting

• I don’t have an assay or a key result - (1) do experiments; (2) write a fellowship; (3) buddy with someone else who does.

• I have an assay or a key result, but I don’t feel like I am ready - (1) Get over it - enforce a personal discipline, commit to spending an hour a day regardless of what you have to show; (2) Commit to making some presentation.

• I have an assay or a key result, but I don’t know how to get started - (1) Talk to me, I am happy to help; (2) If you have more than one result, begin by simply listing the results you have. Sometimes it is easier to see possible stories.

• I have results, but I am struggling with the best organization - Get help from your colleagues by (1) presenting your work (retreats, meetings, seminars); (2) circulating drafts

How to Write a Scientific Paper(submission: when and where)

• What is your primary goal? - for that publication? In relation to your career? Numbers? Impact?.

• If it is numbers, then the sooner the better (and sooner than you think).

• If impact, then consider several factors - (1) Do I have a story? (2) To what extent is it significant: of general interest, novel, surprising? (3) What would it take to bring it to the next level? (4) Do you have competition?

• How do you figure these out? - (1) What has been your feedback so far?; (2) Read; (3) Submit.

• Risks of being to early or too late