This Week in Microbiology (TWiM): The Top 10 Microbiology Stories of 2011

There were some big microbiology stories in 2011 and many of them were covered on This Week in Microbiology (TWiM) a pod cast and vcast program created by Vincent Racaniello,, a Columbia University virologist and BioCrowd co-founder.

I was part of the inaugural TWiM team but other responsibilities made it difficult for me to participate on a regular basis. However, Vincent asked me if I had time over the holidays to join regular host Michael Schmidt, and him to do the 2011 review show that is posted here.

Ten Microbiology stories from 2011:

  1. Bean sprouts and E. coli O104H4 (TWiM 9, 20)
  2. H. pylori and asthma (TWiM 11)
  3. Airborne H5N1 influenza (TWiV 159)
  4. The microbiome (TWiM 2, 15, 19)
  5. Synthetic biology (TWiM 12)
  6. Probiotics (TWiM 24)
  7. Symbiosis (TWiM 8, 10, 17, 21)
  8. Turning E. coli into a pathogen (TWiM 18)
  9. Mammalian endothermy restricts fungi (TWiM 16)
  10. Microbiology 911 (TWiM 22)

Right click to download TWiM #24 (57.5 MB, .mp3, 79 minutes).

Subscribe to TWiM (free) on iTunesZune Marketplace, via RSS feed, by email or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app.

Send your microbiology questions and comments (email or mp3 file) to twim@twiv.tv , or call them in to 908-312-0760. You can also post articles that you would like us to discuss at microbeworld.org and tag them with twim.

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Listening!!!!!!!!

 

Statistics and Job-Related Facts You Should Know About Careers in the Life Sciences

Fewer and fewer American college students are choosing to major in Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This has been an ongoing trend in the US for the past two decades. However, within the STEM majors, the life sciences are faring the best. While I believe that the US needs more life sciences majors to remain competitive with the rest of the world, there are a few things you ought to know before you take the life sciences plunge.

  1. More than 86,000 American biology majors graduate each year
  2. About 58% of all bachelors’, masters and doctorates in the life sciences are awarded to women (who continue to earn substantially less than their male counterparts)
  3. Entry level salaries for biology majors range from $40,000 to $50,000 per year (computer and engineering students start at salaries of $55,000 to $65,000 per year)
  4. PhD degrees in the life sciences take on average six years to complete
  5. Postdoc starting salaries range from $37,000 to $40,000 per year
  6. More than a third of biologists are still working as postdocs or in other non-tenure track jobs six years after receiving their PhD degrees
  7. Only 14% of PhD-trained biologists win tenure track positions within six years of receiving their degrees
  8. Because of tighter funding for government jobs and the loss of 300,000 pharmaceutical jobs in the past decade, many newly-minted PhDs are forced to become serial postdocs (supported by soft money) or help senior scientists set up and run their laboratories waiting to see if they can win permanent academic employment
  9. Fewer tenured life sciences professors are retiring because of the financial downturn

If you still want to be biology major after reading this post, then I think that you know what career path you ought to pursue! Just sayin’......

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!

 

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Getting a PhD Degree...And Then Some!

While getting a PhD degree in the life sciences (or most other disciplines) is no longer de rigueur, those of you out there who are courageous enough to make the attempt may benefit from an article entitled “25 Q&A Sites for PhD Information and Requirements.

The folks over @ phdonlinedegree.com sent me the link and the information offered in the post is very good. That being said, let me state for the record that if I had to do it all over again—despite my somewhat unconventional and circuitous career path—I will still choose to obtain my PhD degree. If nothing else, earning a PhD builds character and shows you that if you try hard enough almost anything is possible!

For those of you who may be on the fences between a Masters or PhD degree, sites like Did the PhD Kill the Masters Degree? and Master’s vs. PhD Programs may be helpful. For those of you who are considering PhD degrees but need to learn more about the degree, check out PhD explained & FAQs or Questions to Ask When Thinking About Pursuing a PhD. Those of you ambitious types or may be interested in pursing an MD/PhD degree may want to check out What’s the difference between MD/PhD programs and MST Programs or NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program FAQs [PDF]

Finally, those of you who may not yet be convinced that a PhD degree in the life sciences is right for you may want to visit On Getting a PhD Degree in the Life Sciences.

And, if none of these sites answer your questions, you can always ask me!

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!

 

Combining Business and Biology to Increase Career Options

If you received your bachelors degree in biology or a related field, there is a good chance that you are having difficulty finding a job. The lack of an advanced degree in the life sciences can  hurt your chances of securing a job mainly because most life sciences jobs demand more education and experience Choosing to pursue a business degree can be a step in the right direction to advance your career.

Receiving an advanced degree from traditional or online MBA programs can vastly improve the likelihood of  securing the career (or salary ) that you always wanted. UOP and other campus-based universities have great mba programs designed to give you the education needed to be successful. More importantly  most of these programs allow you to take classes on your own time. No need to fight campus traffic or beg your current employer to work around your class schedule. With online classes, you can complete your coursework where and when you want.

Many persons a background in biology and an MBA are able to secure positions as business analysts, managers, and market analysts for biotechnology companies. Increasingly, they also becoming integral parts of new product development teams that are looking for new medicines and treatments.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, biotechnology will only increase in need and thousands of jobs will continue to be added each year. To that end, some of the world's largest life sciences companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Bayer Corporation are already seeking MBA students with biological backgrounds.

So if you are looking for a boost in your career, consider getting a MBA or related business degree. While a MBA may not seem like the first choice of a most undergraduate biology student,s it can actually provide the skills and tools needed to succeed in some of the most competitive biological markets today.

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!

 

How Online Courses Can Help You Secure a Job

The job market is rough, and many in the field of science, whether they are a chemist or a biologist, are having difficulty obtaining a position. Unless you want a low-paying tech or lab position there isn't much currently available, especially if you don't have an advanced degree. However, many recent college graduates are beginning to find that taking a few online courses can greatly increase their odds of being hired.

For years, online colleges carried poor reputations, but that stigma is rapidly fading. As current professionals are having to obtain additional education on limited schedules, and the internet as a source of knowledge is becoming more trusted, a degree obtained from an accredited online college is now viewed by much of the population as being just as viable as one received from a traditional university.

Employers no longer scowl at online degrees either. In fact, many are beginning to believe that those who obtain degrees online, or those who simply add to their education by taking a few courses, may actually be more valuable than traditionally educated individuals. Seeking additional education online may actually make you more enticing as a job applicant because managing your own education says multiple things about your character.

The Educational Benefit

The main reason why anyone seeks out additional education is to obtain the skill set they need to succeed. By taking online courses you will gain more knowledge of your industry which will make you a more appealing candidate for employers. You will have a more well-rounded understanding of your field, and by taking the classes may secure the additional education needed to look better than another deserving candidate.

The Personal Benefit

Struggling to find a job is no easy task, and at times it can be really rough on your self esteem. By pursuing additional education, you are able to achieve personal goals, and gain greater confidence in your knowledge and abilities. Having both of these attributes will make employers more likely to hire you. Plus, taking the additional courses will keep your mind fresh and will also keep your occupied and focus during your down time.

The Professional Benefit

From an employer's perspective, those who are willing to manage their education on their own are self-starters. They are motivated individuals who now how to set goals and obtain them. Online classes aren't like typical on-campus classes, and require students to remain focused on the tasks at hand. There is no one there to remind them of due dates and constant assignments. Employers know this, and know that anyone capable of getting good grades or a degree from an online university is a driven and organized person, which is what many employers are looking for.

The job market it tough, but your college degree isn't to blame for your lack of employment. Thousands of people have lost their jobs or are struggling to find position all over the United States, and the poor economy isn't helping. The fact of the matter is that the lacking economy has made it hard for anyone to find a job whether they are a biologist like you or a math teacher.

However, all hope is not lost. There are still plenty of well paying positions in the biological field, and you can still find one in one of the various public and private firms that are still hiring. Just keep in mind that there are hundreds of others seeking the same position you are. To get ahead you simply have to be more competitive and make yourself more enticing to employers, and increasing your knowledge by taking online college courses may be the first step in the right direction. 

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!

A Course That Teaches Scientists to Talk to "Real People"

It is no secret that one of the greatest impediments to improving the public understanding of science is the inability of scientists to articulate the importance of their work and ideas to non-scientists. 

Early in my career I was guilty like most of the rest of you. The first hint that I was not getting through to lay people was their eyes glazing over when I attempted to explain what my research was about. I quickly realized that I needed to learn how to better present my ideas to non-scientists if I wanted to engage them in casual conversations about science. 

Unfortunately, most of the persons charged with training scientists see little or no value in teaching their students to communicate to lay persons about their research or science in general. After all, they wouldn’t understand it anyway so why bother? That justification may have been valid 30 years ago but with the advent of the Internet and more recently social media, it is vitally important that the correct scientific information is disseminated to the lay public. In case you hadn’t notices, there is an awful lot of scientific misinformation out there that is being taken as “the truth” by large segments of the American public.

Recognizing this, Pat Marsteller a biologist and science educator at Emory University in Atlanta developed a course entitled “Communicating Science” which is designed to tech graduate students to write for and talk to non-scientists. She teaches the course with two chemists, mainly because the majority of students who took the class last semester (the first time it was taught) were chemists. Apparently, most of the students were “volun-told” to take the class by a chemistry adviser. This became apparent to Dr. Marsteller during the first class meeting when a chemistry student quipped: “Why Should I want to talk to anybody who doesn’t understand carbon?” Go figure....

While the course is designed to eliminate jargon and science speak so it is more comprehensible to non-scientists, it also stresses the different ways in which scientific information ought to be transmitted to different audiences that a scientist may encounter during his/her careers. For an example of this click here.

Hat tip to Dr. Marsteller for developing such a forward-thinking and necessary course.

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!

 

The 25 Best Biomedicine And Healthcare Informatics Blogs

William Hooper author of the HealthTechTopia blog which focuses on biomedicine and healthcare informatics compiled a top 25 list of the best biomedicine blogs on the web. 

While BioJobBlog failed to make the list, BioCrowd was listed at number 14. This is what the HealthTechTopia blog had to say about BioCrowd, the online networking site created by Vincent Racaniello and me.

“So where can you get blog entries from tons of biomedicine enthusiasts? With a stop here. The site was built to help bioscience professionals build relationships, exchange ideas, find jobs, and identify exciting new career opportunities.”

Best Blogs on Biomedicine by an Individual

These experts in biomedicine take it on at all angles.

  1. Biotech/ Biomedical
    Join Dr. Theresa Phillips as she uses her experience to provide her readers with tools, tips, strategies, and information about the industry. She has a broad background in a number of different areas of biotechnology and biomedical research, including having worked for two biotech companies in the environmental remediation industry. Must reads include a career in biotech and six approaches to phytoremediation.
  2. Terry Etherton Blog on Biotechnology
    Dr. Etherton is a Distinguished Professor of Animal Nutrition and Head of the Department of Dairy and Animal Science at Penn State University. His research specialty is the area of endocrine regulation of animal growth and nutrient metabolism. Genetically modified crops and cloned livestock are the latest blog topics.
  3. Eye on DNA
    Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei is a PhD-trained epidemiologist and biotech consultant, as well as a Stanford and JohnHopkinsUniversity graduate. One of her focuses is on how both genome and internet technology are going to change the world. Popular articles include DNA toys and “100 Facts About DNA.”
  4. Gary Rabin
    He is the Chairman of Advanced Cell Technology. They are a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of cellular therapies for the treatment of rare and common diseases that impact millions of people worldwide. The blog often lists their accomplishments as well as related items in biotech.
  5. Building Confidence
    Blogger Russ Altman is also a professor at StanfordUniversity. His writings are a way to share commentary on issues related to his professional expertise, which is biomedical informatics, genetics, medicine, and bioengineering. He also has a quick tutorial on the subject of bioinformatics.
  6. Gene Expression
    Razib Khan’s degrees are in biochemistry and biology. He has blogged about genetics since 2002, previously worked in software development, and is an Unz Foundation Junior Fellow. A standout choice for often integrating pop culture and news items into bio-learning.
  7. Biotech Blog
    Yali Friedman lives in Washington, DC and is the author of “Building Biotechnology” and other books. He is also the founder of DrugPatentWatch and chief editor of the “Journal of Commercial Biotechnology.” Check out his blog for thoughts and news on the commercial, legal, political, and scientific aspects of biotech.
  8. Expression Patterns
    Proving again that biomedicine isn’t just for men is Eva Amsen. She recently moved from research to editing and from biochemistry to developmental biology. In addition to science, she also blogs about the arts.
  9. Public Rambling
    What sounds like a blog for the latest commentary on the latest scandal is actually a scientific one. Pedro Beltrao stops here to write about what he thinks on bioinformatics, science, and technology. Omics was the topic of a recent post.
  10. Science Roll
    Bertalan Meskó graduated from the University of Debrecen, Medical School and Health Science Center in 2009 and started PhD studies in the field of personalized genomics. His blog is now a journey through genetics and medicine. Biomedicine in the news and his reaction are often the topic of posts.

Best Blogs on Biomedicine by a Group

Check out these groups and sites for a collective view of biomedicine and related areas.

  1. The Daily Scan
    Part of Genome Web, there are several blogs on biomedicine to choose from. They include entries on cancer and informatics. The main site has more for those interested in biomedicine such as news, careers, and a magazine.
  2. ISAAA
    Click here for the official blog from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications. They have a newsfeed that is constantly updated and divided by crop biotech, biofuels supplement, and more. There are also other learning resources offered.
  3. Fierce Biotech
    Get just the news with a visit here. Several stories a day are on all the advancements and announcements in the field. You can also choose by biomarkers, events, whitepapers, and much more.
  4. BioCrowd
    So where can you get blog entries from tons of biomedicine enthusiasts? With a stop here. The site was built to help bioscience professionals build relationships, exchange ideas, find jobs, and identify exciting new career opportunities.
  5. Growers for Biotechnology
    Their mission is to promote and facilitate the research, development and acceptance of biotechnology in agriculture. The news stream has the latest in developments in biology for food. You can also get other biotech info such as why growers use biotech and reports.
  6. BMC Biotechnology
    This is an open access journal publishing original peer-reviewed articles on the manipulation of biological macromolecules or organisms. Use in experimental procedures, cellular, and tissue engineering, as well as in the pharmaceutical, agricultural biotechnology, and allied industries are also shared. Current featured articles are on glucosinolate engineering and cytokine inhibition.
  7. Biotechnology Journal
    Can’t make it to the library to read the latest issue or shell out a subscription fee? Then click here to get many issues offering free articles as a PDF. There are also other biomedicine items available.
  8. Colorado Bioscience Association
    The CBSA is a not-for-profit corporation providing services and support for Colorado’s growing biosciences industry. Their blog contains news releases, links to articles, and other related information of interest. Maggie Chamberlin Holben of their marketing department has more.
  9. Biomedicine on Display
    This is the blog of Medical Museion, University of Copenhagen. They focus on the display of visual and material culture in museums, laboratories, and clinics with a goal of promoting contemporary biomedicine. Materialism was the subject of the latest post.
  10. BioSpace
    Finally, stop here to get items on life, science, and the community with the biologist in mind. Top breaking news and featured stories are often included. You can also search by biotech, medical, clinical research, and academic entries.

Best Blogs on Specific Biomedicine

Learn more about a specific area of biomedicine below.

  1. The Spittoon
    Get the writings from the pro’s at 23 and Me here. They specialize in using saliva to analyze the nearly one million locations in a person’s genome. Readers of the blog are given a deeper understanding of DNA and related areas.
  2. Genetic Future
    So how will all this biomedicine and such affect us in the future? That is the very question that genome researcher Daniel MacArthur strives to answer. Part of Wired Blogs, he focuses on the fast moving world of human genetics and why companies will sell you info on your own DNA.
  3. OnBioVC
    But can all this biomedicine talk be used to turn a profit? With a visit to this blog, the answer can be “yes.” They specialize in reporting on bioscience venture capital data.
  4. Blog,Bioethics.net
    As with any science, ethics is going to come into play. Get a blog especially for the ethics surrounding biology here. The editors of “The American Journal of Bioethics” use it to inform and discuss more on the subject with the public.
  5. Bioethics Discussion Blog
    Because one view on anything ethical isn’t enough, click here. Dr. Maurice Bernstein is a physician and medical school teacher who moderates the discussion. With entries dating back to 2004, make time for tons of bioethics.

No matter if you are a student studying for a PhD or just a fan of science, there is loads to learn on the above 25 best blogs on biomedicine.

 

DNA Portraits: Promoting Science Literacy?

There is no question that DNA, genome sequencing and personalized medicine are on their way to becoming part of the American lexicon. While most Americans haven’t a clue as to what these words mean, many have jumped on the “DNA bandwagon” because of television shows like CSI and its derivatives and high profile genetic information companies like 23 and Me, which was co-founded by Anne Wojcicki a Yale undergraduate biology major and wife of Google founder Sergey Brin.

Countless numbers of Americans have sent DNA samples to be analyzed by 23 and Me and other genetic information companies to learn about their ancestry and possible health implications contained in their genetic codes. Although the technologies used by these companies may not be ready for prime time-use for personalized medicine purposes, they are scientifically sound and relevant. Imagine my surprise when I read about a company called DNA11 that promises to create customized art from a person’s DNA. Yup, you heard me correctly—a customized DNA portrait! 

Here is how it works. Customers send a cheek swab (DNA sample) to the company and they sequence it. Then, a personalized DNA portrait is constructed from the code. Clients get to choose the color and size of the portrait and can also elect to have up to four person’s DNA added to it! And the best part is that it only costs $199 (starting price)! Of course, DNA samples are marked with anonymous codes and are supposedly destroyed after portraits are rendered.

DNA 11 is the brain child of Nazim Ahmed a former DNA imaging salesperson and Adrian Salamunovic a web designer. I have to admit that I thought the idea was a cool one! But, then again, I am a geeky scientist and the transformation of science into art is an intriguing proposition! Also, if positioned correctly, DNA11 could help to promote scientific literacy in the US.

The company has been featured in the New York Times, Wired Magazine and others on “The View” CNBC and the Discovery Channel. Moreover, both Nazim and Adrian have reportedly made millions and their products were recently featured on a recent CSI episode. Recently, the company announced that a portion of its revenue will be donated to charity. Nevertheless, I can’t imagine that, these days, most lay people have enough disposable income on hand to spend it on a less-than-useful DNA portrait. That said, I have been known to be wrong in the past. And, I have learned over the years that anything is possible in America--not that there is anything wrong with that!

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Genetic Profiling!!!!!!!

 

Preparing for Careers in the Life Sciences

The economic downturn has taken its toll on a number of industries including retail, manufacturing, real estate and others. Many veteran workers from these industries are unemployed and face the prospect of long term unemployment unless they develop or acquire new skills that qualify them for jobs in other areas.

Most employment experts place careers in healthcare and the life sciences in the top ten of most “future hot jobs” lists. Unfortunately, winning these types of jobs requires specialized training in biology and medicine. Consequently, persons with non-science backgrounds will have to go back to school to acquire the training and skill sets required to compete for these jobs. 

I recently came across a website called UniXL which bills itself as an education and career information portal. At first, I was dubious about the usefulness of UniXL. However, after spending some time at the site, it does provide great information for individuals who are considering starting or going back to school. For example, would be students interested in biology can find colleges and universities that offer training in biology while others who are tempted by biotechnology can find similar lists of institutions that offer that type of training.

Finally, persons who may not be interested in healthcare or medicine but simply want to go back to school for training in other disciplines can easily find for- and non-profit institutions of higher learning (by state) by clicking the links listed below.

Until next time....

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!

Schools in Alabama
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Schools in Wisconsin
Schools in Wyoming

Why American Microbiology Education Needs to Improve!

Let me say at the outset of this post that I have a PhD in Bacteriology and admittedly less than objective when it comes to the topic of microbiology education and improving the public understanding of science. However, in today’s New York Times Science Times section there were no fewer than five articles that required some knowledge of microbiology to understand the implications about what was written.

  1. Vaccination is Steady, but Pertussis is Surging
  2. Really? The Claim: More Sugar Leads to More Cavities
  3. Steep Drop Seen in Circumcisions in the U.S.
  4. Patterns: Medicare Coverage Drives Antibiotic Use
  5. Vital Signs: Nipple Piercings Add to Risk of Abscesses

While it doesn’t require a PhD to decipher the information in this article a basic understanding of microbiology would allow readers to understand the significance and future implications of the material that was presented. For example, in the article about nipple piercings; anybody who has taken an introductory microbiology class knows that bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes can cause pus-laden infections and if left untreated can result in potentially life-threatening abscess formation. Sugar and cavities? Microbiology 101 students all know that bacteria like S. mutans (that live in everyone’s mouths) ferment sugars and produce lactic acid that degrades tooth enamel and can cause cavities. And, most entry level microbiology students understand that the overuse of conventional antibiotics is largely responsible for the emergence of multiple drug resistant bacteria like multiple drug resistant S. aureus MRSA) and vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE).

The point that I am trying to make is that bacteria are all around us; some do good things like fix nitrogen to improve crop yields and produce oxygen during photosynthesis while others cause devastating acute and chronic infections. Nevertheless, the lay public is largely ignorant about the microbes on and around them. Most of my friends, many of whom have advanced degrees in their fields, don’t know the difference between a virus and a bacterium and believe that it is okay to treat a cold with antibiotics! How can people modify their behaviors to effectuate change to improve their lives if they lack a rudimentary understanding of the factors responsible for conditions that afflict them?

Don’t get me wrong—we don’t need more PhD microbiologists. However, requiring all high school biology students and maybe biology degree students to have a firm understanding of the fundamental principles of microbiology would be a great start toward improving the lives of many Americans!

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!

 

Biotechnology and Related Health Sciences Jobs Rank Highest for College Graduates in 2010

A recent study conducted by University of California San Diego Extension ranks careers in the health and life sciences fields at the top for recent college graduates. Sandy Bloom of GreatDegree.com recently wrote an article (see below) that provides insights and tips on how recent college graduate may be able to “snag” one of these up and coming hot jobs!

Hot Careers for College Graduates in 2010

By Sandy Bloom

For college graduates, landing a first job can be daunting, especially in hard economic times. But a recent report released by UC San Diego Extension, “Hot Careers for College Graduates in 2010,” shows that for certain career paths, finding a job may be easier than you think.

Nearly half of the top careers listed in the study stem from the health and bio fields, including the areas of health information technology and health law.

After earning a health degree or online biology degree, you can soon be working in one of these hot jobs, too.  Here’s how:

Health Information Technology

The report ranks careers in health information technology at the top because physicians and hospitals must update their medical records systems to be completely electronic in the coming years. Health information technicians are responsible for organizing these medical records, ensuring the records are accurate and complete, and updating the patients’ files electronically. According to the Department of Labor, employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 20 percent over the next eight years.

Those looking to work in this high-demand profession should earn an associate’s degree with coursework in health information. Most employers prefer hiring credentialed medical record and health information technicians who have passed a credentialing exam. Experienced medical records and health information technicians advance their careers by earning bachelor’s or master’s degrees in biology, math, chemistry, health, and computer science.

Clinical Trials Design and Management For Oncology

The second ranked “hottest” career is clinical trial managers, specifically for cancer drugs. According to the report, “as the population ages, diseases are becoming more prevalent” and cures for those diseases are in demand. Clinical trial managers must oversee researchers who dedicate years to researching and testing before getting experimental drugs approved and brought to the market.

To become a clinical trial manager, you should earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or another life science. Then, receive a post-baccalaureate certificate to be certified by the Academy of Clinical Research Professions. Those working toward this in-demand career should partake in observation study courses or internships to observe a clinical trial in progress. Lastly, sign up to take online computer science courses to become familiar with Clinical Trial Management Systems.

Geriatric Health Care

According to last census in 2000, some 14 million seniors ages 65 and older report some level of disability that needs extra care. That means there is a huge demand for elder care professionals such as nurses, doctors, and nursing care professionals specializing in geriatric health care. In addition, because of the increasing incidence of mental illness among the aging, there is also a high demand for psychology professionals trained to treat older patients.

Training to be a nurse, a doctor, or psychiatrist or psychologist requires a bachelor’s degree in science as well as completion of board exams and residencies.

Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (OHSS) analyze work environments to prevent injury by studying trends or patterns of injury and illness. They then suggest policy changes and develop and implement programs to improve conditions or practices that are dangerous. Environmental health and safety officers, ergonomists, health physicists, and industrial hygienists all perform this type of work.

To become an occupational health and safety specialist, you should earn a bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline or a Master’s degree in science or in public health. All specialists must be trained on the law and inspection procedures through classroom and on-the-job training.

Other careers to consider include synthetic biology, regenerative medicine, stem cell research and medical devices including molecular diagnostics.

Hat tip to GreatDegree.com

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!

 

National DNA Day 2010

National DNA Day is a unique day when students, teachers and the public can learn more about genetics and genomics! The day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003, and the discovery of DNA's double helix.

The annual event started seven years ago is sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health. To learn more about the activities that are planned for this year's celebration, please click here.  And this year, you can become a fan of the day on Facebook!

Have a great day celebrating, but please remember to clone responsibly!!!!!!

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Sequencing!!!!!!!!!!

50 Useful Science Career Sites

Samantha Miller of the Medical Small Business blog sent me a list of 50 websites that may be useful for students interested in a career in science or scientists looking for jobs. The list is very comprehensive and worth a look for folks who, against all odds, are still considering careers or seeking gainful employment in the sciences.

 Science Job Sites

1. New Scientist Jobs : Register for free here to begin uploading your CV, get job alerts, and apply for them online. You can also search the database which has tons of jobs in science. There are also useful items such as career advice and who’s recruiting.

2. Nature Jobs : This science site stands out for its ability to let you search for jobs overseas. You can also search by employer, discipline, and title. There is also a career toolkit and information on fairs.

3. Job Science : If you feel like spending a little money to find a job, check out this site. It has loads of resources for science workers and students to find a job. You can view a demo, or try it out for free for 30 days.

4. Career Builder : A leading career site, it also has a special section for science and biotech jobs. You can search by type and/or location. There are also tons of other useful tools on Career Builder.

5. The Vault : With useful resources such as the top 25 firms, this site is worth a look. Here, you can choose from different science industries such as biotechnology, environment, and technology. They also have loads of blogs, videos, and much more.

6. Research Jobs : If your scientific expertise is in research, click here. This is a networking and job site dedicated to researchers and companies in the industry. You can register, search jobs, and more.

7. Career Cast : Although anyone in any profession can utilize this site, science workers can view jobs in life, physical, or social sciences. There are also tools, news, a blog, and more. They recently listed biologist as the top number four job in the nation and you can read why.

8. Glassdoor : Thinking of working for a specific company? Then visit here to see what actual employees have to say about it. You can also get salary, bonus, and other important information.

9. Dice : If technology is your area of scientific expertise, visit here. The site is a career hub for tech insiders and lets you browse jobs in the hottest cities for technology. You can also upload your resume, search agencies, get tips for resume writing, and more.

10. ChemJobs.net : If you are looking for a job in the chemistry industry, visit here. Categories include graduate, sales, clinical, and more. There is also a directory and more information.

11. Photonics Jobs : This science site is for those looking for work in optical, laser, and fiber optics employment. The latest jobs are featured on the homepage. You can also search by date or category.

12. Working for NASA : You don’t have to live in Texas or Florida to work for this science giant. They have thirteen facilities in states such as California, Ohio, and D.C. See what jobs are open and what they are looking for by visiting.

13. Engineer.info : This site searches through millions of jobs from many leaders to bring you solely jobs for engineers. With everything from entry level to advanced, this site is a one stop shop for engineers looking for a career. You can also search by type or location.

14. Think Resources : Get several sites for scientists looking to go into the energy field here. There is Energy Group, Power Plant Jobs, and others. There is also help with resumes and employment management services.

15. Just Windows Jobs : If you have knowledge of MS, developing, or related field, this is the science job site for you. It contains jobs featuring solely IT’s best in Windows. With over 15 million users getting jobs from 120 tech websites, it is a good choice.

16. Computer Jobs: Like the above, this science job site is for technology professionals. Choose jobs requiring skills such as Python, Cisco, Java, and many others. You can also do a simple Google like search.

17. Med Hunting : Get science jobs for the medical field by visiting here. Science orientated jobs include research, technology, and others. You can also post your resume or get salary information.

Career Development Sites

These sites can be used to help write a resume, prepare for an interview, and much more.

18. My Science Career : Provided by AAAS and the journal “Science,” get tons of tools specifically for science workers and students seeking a career. There is a how-to series with loads of advice, along with the other usual tools. You can also download “The Informed Job Search.”

19. Career One Stop : Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, the site provides tools to help job seekers, students, and all professionals. Choose from exploring careers, education, or even find services near you. There is also help for those in the military making the transition to civilian life.

20. Monster : This gigantic career site is full of advice for workers, students, and everyone in between. Choose from helpful resources such as resumes, interviewing, and negotiating salary. They also feature employers and have regular interviews with industry professionals.

21. WSJ Careers : Although meant for business professionals, the scientist can still get expert advice from “The Wall Street Journal.” They have news & trends, career strategies, columns on different careers, and the usual job search. You can also get information on different schools.

22. Free Resume Critique : If the first word of the title didn’t sell you the provider will: “The Wall Street Journal.” Simply enter your information and upload your resume to get started. If you choose to go with their services, they guarantee an interview within 30 days.

23. Career Mag : In addition to the usual tools, there is also a self-assessment section that most others don’t have. Other tools are on continuing education, an online portfolio, and reputation defender. There is even a mobile app with more.

24. The Riley Guide : In operation since 1994, they offer free career advice and employment information. Choose from subjects such as tips on the job search, cover letters, salary guides, and more.

25. Interview Smart : Is the interview the scariest part of getting a science career or into the school of your dreams? Then stop by this site to sharpen your skills and ace the interview. There is a free trial and they feature 35 different topics on every step of the process.

Science Majors and Post Baccalaureate Sites

Science students can use these sites to find an internship, entry level job, and more.

26. College Grad : Stop here to get jobs specifically for college graduates. You can find jobs in a variety of fields, including science. There is also help for paying off debts, top employers, videos, and more.

27. Campus Career Center : Stop here for a massive site with entry level jobs and internships specifically for both college students and graduates. They have an expert blog with tips on everything from resume building to advancing an existing career. Best of all, employers such as Shell, the CIA, and many others regularly hire from here.

28. College Center : Get a network just for college job seekers here. They have centers for students, alumni, and employers. There is also a job search kit to give you more help.

29. After College : Search over 200,000 jobs specifically for college graduates here. Popular jobs include teaching, pharmacy, imaging, and others. There is also help for scholarships.

30. Monster College : With a section for just about everything, Monster also has this resource to help you transition from the classroom to the workplace. You can learn, network, and share on the one site. There is also help with portfolios and finance.

31. Entry Level Jobs : Choose the scientific category here to get entry level jobs. You can also choose by locations across the country. Other categories include education, engineering, technology, and more.

32. Employment Guide : If you are a science student who needs to work from home, visit here. They have listings of legitimate business opportunities at many levels. There are also tools for other job seekers.

33. Diversity Working : If you are a science student and a minority, stop here. It offers over 500,000 jobs in diversity. Simply post your resume, choose from a community, or search for your dream job.

34. College Recruiter : If you need just a simple search engine for entry level jobs and internships, this is it. Simply type what and where to get your answer.

Science News

Don’t get scooped by a co-worker or other student by staying on top of the latest scientific breakthroughs.

35. Science Daily : Get nothing but science headlines by stopping here. They are updated every 90 minutes and include just about every topic imaginable. You can also choose by specialty, news videos, and book reviews.

36. Live Science : With sections like Cool Science and Tech News You Can Use, this site is worth a visit. You can also choose by specific topic or even the strangest in headlines. Be sure not to miss the videos with even more.

37. New Scientist : Stop here for in-depth articles for the serious scientist. They also offer the Last Word and opinions on many controversial scientific topics. You can also use the site to look for science jobs.

38. Scientific American : You don’t need a subscription to this leading publication to get science news. Online sections include fact vs. fiction, extreme tech, and ask the experts. Be sure not to miss the 60 Second Science Podcasts with loads more.

39. Science Blogs : Similar to Alltop, this site gathers all the headlines from science blogs onto one convenient place. Choose from life science, environment, medicine, and more. There is also a section for job seekers.

40. POPSCI : Also known as “Popular Science,” they cover gadgets and cars in addition to science. Get the latest on robots and other popular pieces of science with a visit. There are also galleries and videos.

41. Science Mag : Both scientific research and career information is listed here. There is also a community for networking and blogs. You can also get a science podcast.

42. EurekAlert! : Get the latest news by scientific subject here. Choose subjects from agriculture to technology. There is also information on grants, awards, and books.

Science Reference Sites

Whether writing a paper, report, or other scientific issue, use these sites as references and tools for the latest in science.

43. National Science Foundation : The NSF is a must visit site for all science students and workers. You can get the latest discoveries, info on awards, and statistics. You can also use the site to find funding opportunities in your area.

44. Research.gov : Led by the NSF, Research.gov is a partnership of federal research-oriented grant making agencies with a shared vision of increasing customer service for the research community, while streamlining and standardizing business processes amongst partner agencies. Scientists can use the policy library, apply for grants, and get the latest news. Be sure not to miss opportunities funded by the Recovery Act.

45. Library of Congress : One of the largest libraries in the world, the LOC has tons of free resources for all visitors. Click on Researchers to get more tools for scientists. Others can view massive collections on history, art, and much more.

46. NOAA : The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is charged with all sorts of environmental watches and reports. See what they are up to, read reports, or join forces by visiting. You can also get resources for students.

47. NASA : Explore the final frontier with the help of this massive site. Get mission updates, reports, live videos, and even interviews with top officials. With tons of resources, be sure and make time for this science site.

48. Discovery Channel : With shows like “Mythbusters” and “Man vs. Wild,” there are numerous scientific resources to utilize here. Get videos, interviews with hosts, and much more. There is also a health, science, and animal channel to choose from.

49. Nature.com : Get the world’s latest science and medicine reports on your desktop here. Choose from research, blogs, and special features. You can even submit your own manuscript.

50. PhysOrg : Similar to the above, this site focuses on physics, technology, and Nano science. Spotlight stories are featured on the home page. You can also see the top stories, choose by subject, or submit your own idea. 

Until next time

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!

 

Midcareer Transitions: Teaching

My father was an elementary school teacher who eventually became an elementary school principal, a position that he retired from about 15 years ago. As you might imagine, education was an important part of the lives of my three siblings and me. Like my father, three of four of us eventually pursued careers in education: my sister teaches art to high school students in California; my brother is a professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Vermont and I have been a science educator for most of my adult life.

When I first entered graduate school in the Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I intended to pursue a teaching career at a small liberal arts institution. My career goals changed during my graduate school experiences, and ultimately I chose to pursue a career in academic research rather than teaching. Despite that decision, my first and perhaps only love has always been teaching. Ironically, it was my love of teaching that prevented me from winning tenure at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine. While I have reinvented myself no fewer than 10 times during my admittedly circuitous career path, the one common and constant element that links together some of my seemingly disparate career choices has been my love of teaching.

No matter what the experts may say, there is no middle ground in teaching—you either love it or hate. Put simply, there are those who were born to teach and others who were not!

When I give my Alternate Careers for PhDs talk to graduate and postdoctoral fellows who are looking for career options, I always mention teaching. Not surprisingly, I wax romantically about how noble a profession teaching is and the acute need for qualified science teachers. However, I always temper my remarks by emphasizing that “unless you are passionate about teaching, then becoming a teacher may not be an appropriate career choice. In other words, unless you are “all in” you never be an effective teacher. To that end, I came across an article in this Sunday’s New York Times by Peter Wilson; a former executive who decided to eschew a successful public relations career in his mid-30s to become a middle school English teacher. 

If after reading Peter's story, you find yourself energized or “moved” by his story, then I believe that you possess the “right stuff” to pursue a career in education. As the old Nike ads urge: “Just Do It!”

Hat tip to Peter Wilson!

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!

 

Got Biology? This List Does!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed important biological, genetic or other life sciences information quickly? Sure, you can Google the topic but it takes time to wade through all of the search results until you find the right one!

Carol Brown from Onlineuniversities.com sent me a list of the “100 Best Reference Sites for Science Students.” The list contains information for chemistry, environmental science and even geology.  I extracted the life sciences websites from the list and posted them below.  

  1. Biology Online: On this site you can post questions in a forum, look things up in a bio dictionary, and read all kinds of informative articles and tutorials.
  2. Everything Bio: Check out this resource to find a glossary, textbooks, images and a range of other online biology tools.
  3. Life Science Dictionary: Try out this dictionary to look up life science terms and identify their meanings.
  4. Molecular Biology Glossary: Students of molecular biology will appreciate this valuable research tool.
  5. National Biological Information Infrastructure: Want to know and read about the research being done in the life sciences? Check out this site.
  6. Biology Reference: You can look up loads of helpful biology terms in this online encyclopedia.
  7. Biology Nation: From finding the best biology grad programs for looking up biology terminology, this site is a one-stop resource.
  8. Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology: Search through this online dictionary to refresh your memory on the parts of the cell.
  9. BioScience: With a dictionary, encyclopedia, links, software, and custom search tools, you’ll find more reference material than you could ever need on this site.
  10. All Experts: Biology: Have a biology question you just can’t seem to find the 
  11. Amino Acids Repository: Use this site as a reference on amino acid properties alone and in proteins.
  12. Table of Standard Genetic Code: This site is a great reference when trying to remember which part of DNA goes where.
  13. Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms: Don’t know how to say a particular term? No worries, this glossary will tell you and more.
  14. Human Genome Acronym List: Don’t have a clue what the ASHG is? This site can help you look it up.
  15. Genetics Resources on the Web: Search through this site for the best genetics resources the web has to offer.
  16. National Human Genome Research Institute: This site offers a number of helpful educational resources for students young and old.
  17. Genetics Virtual Library: Search by organism or topic to find the genetic information you need to do your homework.
  18. Genetics Home Reference: Those studying genetic disorders will appreciate this quick online reference for conditions.
  19. GeneTests: Even if you’re not in medicine, you’ll be able to find interesting and compelling information on this site.
  20. Gene Cards: You’ll find a collection of concise information on just about every gene out there on this site.

While I can’t vouch for the quality of the  list, it looks to be pretty informative.

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Studying!!!!!!

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Improving Science Literacy and American Innovation

Politicians, educators and business leaders love to complain about the America’s dwindling competitiveness in math and science and the growing lack of innovation that seems to be pervasive among many American high school and college-aged students. This is the same mantra that I have been hearing for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, while the powers at be like to complain about these things, no government agencies, educational groups or private sector businesses seem to be able to come up with approaches or solutions to these problems (talk about lack of innovation!). 

Luckily, as Thomas Friedman pointed out in an Op-ED in this past Sunday’s New York Times, there are individuals and not-for-profit entities that have come up with two possible approaches to improve science and math preparedness and American innovation. 

The first of these novel ideas is called National Lab Day (NLD). It was introduced last November by a coalition of educators and scientific and engineering associations. NLD’s goal is to inspire future scientists, engineers and innovators by pairing experienced scientists and engineers with students in grades K-12 to work on hands-on science project around the US. Participating organizations that have pledged support for NLB include pledged support for National Lab Day are the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the National Science Teachers Association, the National Science Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Jack D. Hidary Foundation, the American Chemistry Society, the National Institutes of Health; and the Business Roundtable.

Conspicuously absent from the list are large organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Medicine, the American Society of Microbiology and others. Moreover, no academic institutions or research foundations or life sciences companies have offered to participate. See what I mean about lots of complaining and no action? To learn more about the program or offer support visit NationalLabDay.org

Another program that Friedman mentioned was the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship or NFTE. NFTE works with middle and high school teachers to help them teach entrepreneurship. The centerpiece of the program is a national contest for start-ups with 24,000 low-income students participating. Each student has to invent a product or service, write up a business plan and then implement it.

While the scope of NFTE is limited to only low income students, I learned first hand what an important skill entrepreneurship is on the world stage. In the early 2000s while working as a management consultant, I was invited to dinner by the CEO of an Australian life sciences company. During dinner, I candidly asked her why an Australian biotech company was interested in hiring an American as a management consultant. She told me that while Australians do great science they are awful when it comes to translating the science into a viable business. “We simply don’t have the entrepreneurial understanding and spirit that most of you Americans seem to have. Our society doesn’t focus on individualism and innovation, we like to maintain the status quo” she said. After the meeting, I realized that we Americans take our entrepreneurial skills for granted and if we can no longer excel in this area than the US is truly doomed.

Finally, since this post is about science literacy and improving the public understanding of science, I wanted to mention a cool website called Sense About Science that you ought to check out. Although it is a UK-based organization, what it is trying to promote has global relevance. According to the website:

“Sense About Science is an independent charitable trust promoting good science and evidence in public debates. We do this by promoting respect for evidence and by urging scientists to engage actively with a wide range of groups, particularly when debates are controversial or difficult.

We work with scientists to

  • respond to inaccuracies in public claims about science, medicine, and technology
  • promote the benefits of scientific research to the public
  • help those who need expert help contact scientists about issues of importance
  • brief non-specialists on scientific developments and practices

Sense About Science is governed by a Board of Trustees and run by a small office staff. We are supported by an Advisory Council and over 2,000 scientists and other specialists, ranging from Nobel Laureates to postdoctoral fellows, who are signed up to our database, Evidence Base. We also work with younger scientists in our VoYS (Voice of Young Science) programme, which you can read more about here.”

Until next time....

Good Luck and Good Learning!!!!!!!!

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Update: Chinese Researchers Finish Sequencing the Giant Panda Genome

China's Beijing Genomics Institute in Shenzhen announced that it has mapped the entire genetic code for the giant panda using DNA sequencing and analysis equipment from San Diego-based Illumina. The project began in mid 2008 and was completed by Jan.2009.

The panda at the center of this discovery is Jingjing, who lives in China's Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center and was the mascot for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The genetic information from Jingjing is expected to be complemented in the future with genetic information from other pandas.

Scientists hope to use the data from the sequencing project to better understand panda biology and reproduction. Giant pandas are difficult to breed in captivity and are currently on the endangered species list.

In China, the panda's genome sequencing was ranked by the Chinese government as one of the top 10 technology achievements of the year, right up there with the nation's space shuttle and the completion of the Tibetan railway.

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!

 

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When Applying for Jobs Online Simply Isn't Enough

Back in the late 1990s, applying for jobs online was all the rage! The technology was new and fresh and applying for jobs online was fast and easy. Companies raced to build corporate websites for prospective job applicants, major job boards like Monster and Careerbuilder were launched and human resources professionals though they were ushering in a “new era of employee recruitment and retention.” While applying for jobs online once seemed like a panacea for both job seekers and corporate employers, it never has lived up to all the fanfare and hype!

There is no question that applying for jobs online is quick, easy and most importantly emotionally gratifying. Paradoxically, these are the very qualities that have almost rendered the practice useless when it comes to finding a new job. Before applying for jobs online became de rigueur, large numbers of qualified, prospective employees were hired into new jobs. Unfortunately, these days’ most corporate websites and job boards are swamped by unqualified applicants who submit their resumes when ever and where ever they can! This has prompted many companies and job board site to automate their applicant screening processes—which, in many cases, fail to discriminate between qualified and unqualified job applicants. Frequently, because of the sheer volume of applicants, many companies no longer acknowledge receipt of job applications. While this practice is unprofessional in my opinion, it sends a subliminal—if not obvious message—to applicants that the likelihood of winning the job is remote. It is not uncommon for job applicants to never hear from a company after they have hit the send button to submit a job application.

So, if applying for jobs online isn’t the answer, what should jobseekers do to find gainful employment? Like it or not, the best way to find a new job is through networking. The advent of social networking sites like Facebook, Linked In and BioCrowd makes networking less daunting than it used to be. However, it is important to note, that online networking alone won’t be sufficient! Unfortunately, (for some of you anyway), interacting with people in real life will be required! The best way to begin networking is to use Google (or your favorite search engine) to identify companies or institutions that are looking for applicants with your skills and qualifications. Next, work hard to find a contact at a company who is willing to support your application or at least, forward it to an appropriate hiring manager. If you don’t know anybody at the company ask friends or relatives if they do. If this doesn’t work, post a notice on Facebook or Linked In asking if anybody in your network can provide a contact name or phone number of a hiring manager at the company you are interested in. If this also proves to be unsuccessful, you can run at Internet search on a particular advertised position or go to a company website to find the name of a hiring manager. However, to avert an avalanche of inquiries about online job postings, many companies no longer list the names of hiring managers on their websites. If all else fails, you can always put in a call into human resources and ask for more information about a job with the hope of getting the hiring manager’s name.

Once you obtain the name of a hiring manager, send an e-mail message indicating your interesting the position along with an attached resume/curriculum vitae. One note of caution; managers are usually inundated with e-mail messages (many which remain unanswered) and often have their spam filters set on high. Consequently, it may be prudent to also send a hiring manager an old fashioned cover letter and curriculum vitae authority using traditional or overnight mail delivery.

While networking to get an employee referral for a job remains the best way to get your “foot-in-the-door” at most companies, the referral channels, like almost all others, are also extremely clogged. This may require a direct phone call to a hiring manager to inquire about whether or not to apply for a job or to check on the progress of an application. That said, use this approach wisely—some managers may think that this shows initiative (and will pull your resume from the resume heap) while others may be offended or annoyed by your boldness. Nevertheless, once you make the call, DO NOT call back unless you are advised to do so. If the company is interested in you as a job candidate, they will contact you after they have had sufficient time to review your application.

While companies continue to advertise positions, the best way to land a new job is through word of mouth. This is because many companies don’t advertise all open positions and some companies run ads even though they are not hiring. Nevertheless, building a solid network of contacts and friends (both online and in real life) is critical for successful job searches.

In today’s difficult economy it may be prudent to employ a multifaceted job search strategy that includes a mix of networking, job boards and online applications. Also, it is important to cast as wide a job net as possible and not limit your search to a specific job type—especially if you have skills  and qualifications that cut across disciplines. Finally, I always tell prospective job candidates that looking for a new job must be a “full time endeavor.” Devoting less than a full time effort to your job search will likely yield disappointing results!

Until next time….

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!

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Is Biotechnology in Your Future?

Despite its humble beginnings in the late 1970s, the biotechnology industry has transformed itself into one of the most vibrant sectors of the American economy. Pharmaceutical companies, once the bell weather of the life sciences industry, have finally conceded that biotechnology and not small molecules are the industry’s future!

While growth of the biotechnology industry has slowed somewhat in the past couple of years—mainly because of the recession—it still represents a viable career option for students interested in the biological sciences. Contrary to popular belief, a PhD degree is no longer required to gain employment in the biotechnology industry. The PhD degree option is slowly being replaced by biotechnology masters and undergraduate degrees and certificate programs readily available at many two year colleges. Put simply, there is a decreasing demand for PhDs at many life sciences companies—mostly because of technological advances and a growing reliance on outsourcing to carry out drug discovery and development. However, the demand for non-PhD employees with solid biotechnology backgrounds particularly in the areas of regulatory affairs, licensing, business development, medical communications, health informatics and biomanufacturing is rising.

For many students (especially high school and undergraduates), the plethora of biotechnology degree and certificate programs can be overwhelming. With this in mind, I came across a cool website called Biotechnology Degree Guide which helps students decide which program is right for them. The site is run by Webster Jorgensen who sent me the following information about the site.

“Biotechnology Degree Guide was developed to be a complete and comprehensive guide for finding colleges, universities and technical schools offering biotech and related programs. The site also features a rating system that allows registered users to rate various biotechnology programs. This feature was added to help separate the great programs from the not-sop-great ones. In the future, we plan to start highlighting "Hidden Gem" programs section that helps schools with lower profiles and great programs receive more exposure. The sites members section is open to prospective students, students, professionals, teachers and biotech hobbyists.  A social media component is planned for the future.”

While the Biotechnology Degree Guide may not answer all of your questions, it certainly is a good place to start when considering a career in biotechnology!

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!!

 

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Foldit! Who Said Learning Protein Biochemistry Wasn't Fun?

While surfing the web, I came upon a cool website called Foldit. Foldit is an online competitive, interactive protein folding game that showcases the principles and properties of protein biochemistries.

The game, originally created by David Baker, Zoran Popović and David Salesin, works like this. Players are given a ribbon model of a protein made up of amino acids. Players use the cursor to grab, bend, pull, and wiggle the chain of amino acids anywhere along its length, folding the protein into its optimum shape. The only rules are based on physics—opposite charges attract, atomic bonds have limited angles of rotation, and the parts of the molecule that stick to water tend to point outward. The closer your model's properties adhere to those rules, the more points you get. The goal of the game was to get large numbers of players to work on potentially difficult protein folding problems to come up with possible solutions. And it seems to be working. More than 100,000 people have downloaded Foldit since its release in 2008, turning the game into a large, worldwide, multiplayer competition.  

Check out the YouTube Foldit video to learn how it works!

Please visit the Foldit site and blog for more information.

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Protein Folding!!!!!!

 

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Life Sciences Education: The Ongoing Shortage of Qualified Teachers

My oldest son is a high school sophomore and is currently taking “honors” biology. While he is generally an “A” student, it is obvious that he is neither interested in biology nor motivated to perform to his ability in the class. Many of his “A-student friends” are also not doing well in biology class. This gave me pause for concern as a life-long science educator (and certified high school biology teacher). With this as a backdrop, I decided to meet with his teacher to determine why so many good students are underperforming in her class. After meeting with his teacher on two separate occasions, it was readily apparent why so many talented students were performing poorly in her class—she lacks the requisite educational and scientific skills to be an effective biology teacher.  This was confirmed by the head of curriculum development in my school district who told me that the last time that the district had an opening for a high school biology teacher he had two applicants (neither of which had strong biology credentials)—this in the state of New Jersey which is touted to have one of the best public school systems in America.

It is no secret that there is a nationwide dearth of qualified science and math teachers. US officials have been angsting over this problem for about 20 years and have been unable or unwilling to come up with solutions. To that end, I propose the following: induce some of the many currently unemployed life sciences PhDs to consider teaching at the middle and high school levels. While this may sound unorthodox and unappealing to most card-carrying PhDs, there are many benefits to becoming a middle or high school teacher.

  1. Starting salaries for public school teachers with PhDs are very competitive
  2. The school year is only 10 months long and your summers are free
  3. The healthcare and 401 K/pension benefits are better than those in academia and industry (and contributions are usually paid by the school district)
  4. There are guaranteed, negotiated yearly raises and longevity pay
  5. Tenure is awarded after only three years
  6. Curricula requirements and guidelines exists but teachers can run their classes any way that they like
  7. Motivated and innovative teachers are encouraged to create new courses, apply   for grants for curriculum development and sometimes—depending upon facilities—offer students an opportunity to conduct independent research projects
  8. School districts like to hire PhDs because it implies scientific excellence

While there are many benefits to being a teacher, it is not for everybody who holds a PhD degree.  I don’t recommend taking a teaching job (out of desperation) if you don’t like to teach—you, your supervisor and your students will be miserable And, you likely will have frustrated and unhappy parents— like me—visiting your regularly.

We PhDs are enormously invested in the ways that we are perceived by our peers. And, I suspect that the mere mention of teaching high school to your friends, colleagues and supervisors will likely result in surprised looks and lot’s of head shaking. Unfortunately, it is this parochial thinking that has caused America to lose it competitive edge and scientists who chose to teach rather than do research are generally perceived as being less intelligent or competent than their peers. Ironically, it is this close-mindedness and pejorative thinking that has contributed to America’s two-decade long slide in science and technology. Perhaps it is time for PhDs to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem!

Until next time…

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting

P.S. Please contact me if you are interested in teaching biology in the East Windsor Regional School District in New Jersey.

 

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