The successful scientist's 'non-scientific' skills

Most people picture scientists as boring, nerdy people who would rather spend days and nights toiling in the laboratory or hunched up in front of a computer monitor, writing esoteric computer codes. That may have been true in the past, and surely great lab technicians and modelers are still welcome. However, today’s science researcher has to do many “non-scientific” things, and the most successful scientists are skilled in many areas beyond their specific research expertise. These are skills that are really not taught directly in graduate school, but must be learned nevertheless, if one is to become a successful science researcher. Success here is defined as having an active research program, mentoring students who then graduate and become competent scientists in their own right, and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals. Below are three such “non-scientific” skills:

Writing skills. Scientists must communicate their findings, and they do this by publishing papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. I will go out on a limb and say that the ability to write is one of the prerequisites to a successful career in science. Good writing is not simply having a way with words, but also the ability to organize information and present it in a logical and compelling manner. There has been an ongoing Internet discussion on the issue of publishing in ISI journals, but this should not really be an issue: scientists should aim to publish in the best outlets as much as possible. Young scientists should, at a minimum, aim for publishing their dissertation in an ISI journal.

Beyond writing skills needed for submitting an acceptable paper, researchers also need the skills to write successful (i.e., funded) research proposals. This is crucial, since the cycle of scientific work starts with getting funding that allows the support of graduate students, who then do the work, which leads to publishable results, and makes getting funding easier. Writing good proposals forces one to have a unique idea, a sound hypothesis, a logical plan of work, and the mastery of published literature. All of these needs to be relayed to a critical review panel in a clear manner that makes the idea stand out and necessitate, even DEMAND, that the project be funded. Writing good proposals is an art, but it can be learned, and young scientists should spend time learning this art. Senior scientists should also support junior scientists by involving them in proposal writing so they can learn this craft.

Oral communication skills. Scientists present at conferences, give talks to groups of students and other interest groups, and lecture at universities and research institutions. They may need to convey ideas to the general public. They need to talk to colleagues to share and discuss results and ideas. While not all scientists are great speakers, there is a need for great communicators who can connect with the public, like Carl Sagan, Richard Feynman or Rey Punongbayan. The most memorable lecture is one that stands out not only because of the exciting data, but also because of the wonderful storytelling that goes with the amazing exposition.

Management skills. Running a research group means being able to work with people. Principal investigators (PIs) hire, train and inspire junior scientists and students. They must make sure their people have the resources and tools needed to do their work. Often, they may have to resolve conflicts. The best managers attain synergy by putting the right personalities to the right project in the right environment. Scientists must also manage their time and be efficient. They need to prioritize and do the right things, otherwise they will be overrun by meetings, e-mail, and needless paperwork. Successful PIs trust their staff and colleagues, and know how and when to delegate. They must also know how to manage research funds. Often, these are public funds, and PIs must balance the needs of the work with safeguarding the public trust by being careful with expenditures.

So it’s clear that today’s scientists need to know more than their science. Doing scientific research, either in industry or in academia, is demanding work. It is also exciting. Research demands not only brains, but also the same skills that are required of top leaders, managers, and business people. We should encourage our young, bright students to envision successful careers in science — and be prepared for a rewarding, fulfilling future.

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Francis L. de los Reyes III is an Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University. He conducts research and teaches classes in environmental biotechnology, biological waste treatment, and molecular microbial ecology. He is on the editorial board of Water Research, was a 2008 Balik-Scientist of the DOST, and is a 2009 TED Fellow. He is a member of the Philippine-American Academy of Scientists and Engineers. E-mail at [email protected].