How to Thrive in Laboratory Life

What is it really like working in a laboratory? What are the barriers and challenges and how can we overcome them? This invaluable toolkit, developed by the Women in Supramolecular Chemistry Network (WISC) will support those navigating their scientific career. From the early days of choosing a PhD, reflecting through years of lab work, analysis, and write-ups, to helping choose which career path they want to take, and developing the skills needed to create a successful independent research group of their own.Aimed at those who are marginalised by one or more protected characteristics such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion or disability, the book draws on research carried out by WISC and includes vignettes from scientists at different stages of their careers, on different career paths and from different disciplines. Offering practical tips and guides to help develop the skills needed to survive and succeed in science, the book explores key topics such as: the journey from PhD; negotiating group dynamics; careers inside and outside of academia; post-doctoral research positions and the importance of science communication and education.Drawing on the authors own lived experiences, this book will support early career and post-graduate chemists and lab-based scientists, as well as group leaders and PhD supervisors.The 'Insider Guides to Success in Academia' offers support and practical advice to doctoral students and early-career researchers. Covering the topics that really matter, but which often get overlooked, this indispensable series provides practical and realistic guidance to address many of the needs and challenges of trying to operate, and remain, in academia.These neat pocket guides fill specific and significant gaps in current literature. Each book offers insider perspectives on the often implicit rules of the game -- the things you need to know but usually aren't told by institutional postgraduate support, researcher development units, or supervisors -- and will address a practical topic that is key to career progression. They are essential reading for doctoral students, early-career researchers, supervisors, mentors, or anyone looking to launch or maintain their career in academia.