The Effective Scientist

A how-to guide to mastering the skills you need to navigate the murky waters of an academic science career effectively.

To be effective, today's young scientists need to apply their research outside their specialty, but the skills needed to do this well are rarely taught at university. Written specifically for early career-scientists, this step-by-step guide will help readers develop these skills, maximising the chance of a successful and effective career.What is an effective scientist? One who is successful by quantifiable standards, with many publications, citations, and students supervised? Yes, but there is much more. Truly effective scientists need to have influence beyond academia, usefully applying and marketing their research to non-scientists. This book therefore takes an all-encompassing approach to improving the scientist's career. It begins by focusing on writing and publishing - a scientist's most important weapon in the academic arsenal. Part two covers the numerical and financial aspects of being an effective scientist, and Part three focuses on running a lab effectively. The book concludes by discussing the more entertaining and philosophical aspects of being an effective scientist. Little of this material is taught in university, but developing these skills is vital to maximize the chance of being effective. Written by a scientist for scientists, this practical and entertaining book is a must-read for every early career-scientist, regardless of specialty.