Core Competencies of a Successful Scientist
These are the skills that a scientist should have by the end of his/her training. These skills will allow the scientist to more successfully pursue and obtain permanent employment.
Scientific Knowledge
Acquired during graduate and postdoctoral training via coursework, mentoring and performing research
- Analytical approach to defining scientific questions
- Design of scientifically testable hypotheses
- Broad-based knowledge acquisition
- Interpretation and analysis of data
Research Skill Development
Acquired during graduate and postdoctoral training via performing research, mentoring and coursework
- Laboratory techniques and safety
- Experimental Design
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Statistical analysis
- Effective search strategies and critical evaluation of the scientific literature
- Principles of the peer review process
Communication Skills
- Writing
- Publications
- Grants/applications
- Career
- CV and resume
- Cover letters
- Research and teaching statements
- Speaking
- Presenting your research
- Posters
- Conferences/seminars
- Powerpoint presentations
- The job interview
- interviewing skills/overall presentation
- job talks
- Teaching
- Interpersonal skills
- Style, tone and nonverbal cues
- Negotiation
- Performance reviews/feedback
- Difficult conversations/minimizing conflict
- Networking
Leadership and Management Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Creating a vision and setting goals
- Running meetings
- Delegating responsibilities
- Motivating/inspiring others
- Mentoring/serving as a role model
- Diversity—working with individuals with diverse gender, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds
- Conflict management/resolution
- Project Management
- Time management
- Establishing priorities
- Planning the project timeline
- Collaborative Science
- Types of collaboration
- Project goals
- Expectations of collaborators
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