Read up and get inspired

Some recommended reading for young scientists:

Aspiring a career in academia

• Finding the 'Perfect Postdoc' For You Download
  

by Carol L. Monahan

Published on the website of the National Postdoc Association (USA). The author is one of the founding members of NPA and describes the 12 steps to take to find a postdoc position.

• Making the Right Moves: A practical guide to scientific management for postdocs and new faculty. Download
  

  Based on courses held in 2002 and 2005 by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, this book is a collection of practical advice and experiences from seasoned biomedical investigators.
  

• At the Helm: A Laboratory Navigator
  

  by Kathy Barker - Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
  A guide for newly appointed leaders of research teams, and those who aspire to that role.

• How to succeed in Science: a concise guide for young biomedical scientists.
  

  • Part I  : taking the plunge    Download
    
  • Part II : making discoveries  Download
    

  by Jonathan Yewdell (2008) Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol

• Leidinggeven aan succesvolle onderzoeksgroepen - Bespiegelingen van research leaders Download
  (in Dutch)
  

by Stichting SoFoKles - Sociaal Fonds voor de KennisSector (2010)

When is a research group considered successful? How to attract talented researchers and gain commitment?

PhDs and career

• What do Researchers do? Career Profiles of Doctoral Graduates Download
  

by Vitae/The Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) UK (2009)

Careers stories offer neither a detailed CV nor an easily analysable set of structured responses. What they do offer is real insight into the careers of the tellers, illustrating what they consider important and providing an opportunity to learn about the decisions they have made and why they made them.

• Career Trends: Careers Away from the Bench Download
  

by AAAS/Science Business Office

From technology specialists to patent attorneys to policy advisers, you can learn more about the sorts of careers that scientists can pursue and the skills you will need to develop in order to succeed in nonresearch careers.

Develop your vision on science in the broad sense

• Bad Science

by Ben Goldacre (2008) Harper Collins Publishers

A critical look on mainstream media reporting on health and science issues

• What’s in it for me? The benefits of public engagement for researchers Download
  

by Research Councils UK.

Why should you communicate science to the general public? How can this contribute to a succesful career?
More of this...

• EU's Scientist's Survival Kit for communicating science Download
  

General personal development

• The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

by Stephen R. Covey (1989) Simon & Schuster Ltd

• Outliers
  

  by Malcolm Gladwell (2008) Penguin UK

An inspiring book on why some people succeed and some don't.