Kirix Strata is a new type of web browser that helps people manipulate data quickly and easily.

From the Kirix Strata website:

Kirix Strata is a new specialty browser for accessing and manipulating data from the web. View and work with data from web tables, CSV files and RSS feeds, integrate information from web services to create personal “desktop mashups,” browse and work with MySQL, Oracle and other databases.

It looks interesting, and I can see where it would be potentially useful for easily creating the type of global statements that help set the stage for journal article introductions (“Out of the X new cases of head and neck cancer that are diagnosed every year, Y have high correlation rates to environmental carcinogens”) quickly and easily without all that toggling between web pages and Excel files.

Has anyone out there had any success with this new application?

Although I’m a research assistant by trade, I’m been thinking a lot about post-graduate training and the power of networking lately. Recently, I’ve tried to help two of my friends in their pursuit of a post-doc by utilizing my under-appreciated (read: unpaid) talents as a specialty life sciences resume writer. Seeing the process of finding a post-doc unfold in front of me for the first time, I’ve come to learn a lot of things about post-graduate training and networking. Unlike other positions, finding a post-doc isn’t quite as easy as trolling university human resources websites. From what I’ve observed, the traditional routes to take would be 1) identify a primary investigator in a specific area of research and ask him/her for a job 2) meet a PI at a conference, exchange contact information, and see if leads to a job offer or 3) identify an institution or geographical area that you’re interested in and comb through the faculty pages looking for promising areas of research. You can also find post-doc positions advertised in journals or professional society websites, but my understanding is that these labs become so innundated with prospective employees like you that you’re likely to find yourself in the bottom of the pile.

Labs looking for a post-doc are then put in a very unique position—here, instead of the employer advertising for employees, the employees look for employers. It seems to me that the way that many labs tend to get post-docs is to let the word slip that they have money to support someone, wait, then wade through the prospective candidates. This works to the benefit of well-funded laboratories with enough grant money to fund stormtroopers to do tissue culture and a smoking hot recent publication list. But chances are that if you’re looking to work in a laboratory that is riding that “perfect storm,” they’re going to have a flock of potential post-docs banging down your door. Again, you’re likely to find yourself in the bottom of the pile.

It is certainly not uncommon for many people to attain a post-doc from the cold call, ie, sending an unsolicited CV and cover letter and stating your interest in a particular laboratory. But I’m surprised by how see how many people get their foot in the door by knowing someone, or knowing someone who knows someone.

I think with the countless laboratories out there that it’s human nature to be drawn to people with whom there is some connection, no matter how small. Lots of people get a position from sending out unsolicited CV’s, but it seems like lots more people get post-docs because they get to know their potential advisor in some way prior to employment. Having been in on the processes that go on relating to hiring a few times, it seems like even a simple, “Yeah, I know him—he’s a good guy” from a colleague is enough to tip the scales to that person’s favor.

On the the other hand, I admit that I’m fairly young and really just starting my career in science. As a graduate of a Master’s level program, I was not really exposed to that many opportunities to network. Is the advantage of networking unique to post-docs, or is face-time really important for all levels of science? If so, how do you get in on the action if you’re not able to attend national meetings? I’m curious to hear other people’s thoughts.

Picture courtesy of manos77035

My name is Lesly, and I’m interested in issues relating to productivity in science. My experience working in a laboratory setting for the last few years has shown me that principal investigators often get their work days bogged down by lots of things other than research. Instead of problem solving, an endless parade of urgent-but-not-important tasks such as administrative duties, progress reports, and other paperwork can eat up a substantial part of each day.

I have a hard time understanding this. People who study science love science, so why do we continue to reward their hard work with an avalanche of unrelated tasks? I agree that some level of management and accountability practices should take place, but I just think that there has to be a better way to get things done.

I’m writing this blog because I’m interested in helping scientists have more fulfilling careers doing what they signed on to do—figure out problems. Creating effective networks, streamlining administrative and human resources practices, and adapting new technologies are just a few of the steps we can make to help things move more efficiently. Given the diversity of readers on Nature Network, I think that we can come up with a lot of interesting ideas. I welcome your input, and I hope to see you every week!