The Struggling Scientists

Suzanne and Jayron
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Life Sciences
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome everyone to the Struggling Scientists Podcast. This is a podcast by Scientists, for Scientists. But also for aspiring Scientists, anyone science adjacent, and perhaps even hobbyists. Together we will be trying to bring back the fun in science. We all know the scientific field can be difficult and hard at times and it is easy to lose sight of our passion and enthusiasm. In this podcast, we will talk about Science and the people behind Science.  Website: www.thestrugglingscientists.com

  1. 2d ago

    Leaving Academia: How She Became a Scientist in Industry

    Leaving academia can be intimidating. You've spent years training as a researcher, but what jobs can you actually do outside academia? And how do you even get started? 🎓 Welcome to the first episode of After Academia: Coffee With…, our new interview series where we explore different careers beyond academia, together with the people who've made the transition. ☕ In this episode, we're joined by Maria, a Senior Lab Operations Scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, who shares how she transitioned from academia to industry after her PhD. We talk about what her job actually involves, how she found her first opportunity in industry, which skills from her PhD turned out to be valuable, and what surprised her most about working outside academia. Maria also shares practical advice for PhD students and postdocs considering a similar career change, including how to approach networking, what to put on your LinkedIn profile, and why understanding the pharmaceutical industry can make finding the right job a lot easier. Whether you're actively planning to leave academia or simply curious about what else is out there, we hope this conversation helps you explore your options! 🙂 ⏰ Chapters 00:00 🎓 Why transitioning from academia to industry is difficult 00:25 ☕ Meet Maria: What does a Senior Lab Operations Scientist do? 03:08 💼 A typical working day in the pharmaceutical industry 05:26 🔄 Why Maria decided to leave academia 07:00 🔎 Finding an industry opportunity through a fellowship 09:07 🧠 Transferable PhD skills that are valuable in industry 11:37 📚 Industry fellowships, training and leadership skills 15:33 🤔 What Maria had to unlearn after her PhD 18:02 🏢 The biggest surprises of working in industry 20:24 💡 What she wishes she'd known before applying 23:54 🚀 Practical advice for PhDs looking for industry jobs 25:59 🧪 What is GMP, and why is it useful to know? 29:08 ☕ Final thoughts and a small coffee confession 🔬 About After Academia: Coffee With… There are many career paths beyond academia, but it isn't always easy to understand what these jobs actually involve or how to get into them. In this series, we sit down with former academics working in different fields to talk about their career transitions, their day-to-day work, the skills they use, and the advice they would give to researchers considering a similar path. Our goal is to make exploring careers beyond academia just a little bit less of a struggle. 💬 Which career should we explore next? Are you considering leaving academia? Or have you come across a job outside academia that sounds interesting, but you have absolutely no idea what someone in that position actually does? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear your suggestions for future guests and careers to explore. 🔔 Subscribe to The Struggling Scientists for more career conversations, research tools, and practical advice for PhD students and researchers. 🌐 Find more from The Struggling Scientists: https://thestrugglingscientists.com #LeavingAcademia #PhDCareers #IndustryCareers Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Leaving Academia: How She Became a Scientist in Industry

  2. Sep 21

    How to Use Research Rabbit to Explore a Research Field

    ResearchRabbit gives researchers a different way to explore scientific literature by visualising the connections between papers, citations and authors. 🐇🔎 In this walkthrough, we show you how we use ResearchRabbit to explore a research field. We start with just one paper and gradually build a collection, before showing how you can start with an existing Zotero library or BibTeX file and explore a much larger body of literature. 📚 We also look at how ResearchRabbit can help you discover connected papers, identify influential research, explore author networks and find connections that can be difficult to spot in a traditional list of search results. 🕸️ 🐇 Try ResearchRabbit https://thestrugglingscientists.com/ResearchRabbit Chapters 00:00 👋 Introduction 00:56 🐇 How ResearchRabbit changes literature discovery 01:51 📄 Starting with one paper 03:58 📚 Starting with Zotero or an existing collection 04:31 🕸️ Understanding the literature map 05:41 🔎 Refining your literature search 06:20 ⚠️ Research alerts and retracted references 06:49 👩‍🔬 Exploring authors and collaborations 07:23 💭 Final thoughts and takeaways 📚 More research tools and tutorials: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz6aXl5V5V77ziE8Leh9IuMB4yY4m0Yjq&si=OaQLB5nKrTQdyNwJ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  3. Jul 15

    Can SciSpace Simplify Your Entire Research Workflow? | PhD Toolkit

    SciSpace has become much more than a tool for chatting with PDFs. In this episode of the PhD Toolkit, we put it through a real research workflow to find out whether it actually deserves a place in your research toolkit. We test how well it helps with literature discovery, understanding papers, note-taking, writing and overall workflow before scoring it on our PhD Toolkit leaderboard. ⭐ Try SciSpace This video isn't sponsored, but we do use affiliate links. If you decide SciSpace is right for you, using our link helps support the channel at no extra cost. 🔗 Affiliate link: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Scispace 🎁 Discount codes: JNSS20 = 20% off monthly plans JNSS40 = 40% off annual plans, best for heavy users or systematic reviews ___________________________________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Setting up the test 01:51 Finding papers 04:56 Understanding papers 05:38 Saving ideas 10:23 Writing 14:32 Research Impact 15:37 Ease of Use 16:31 Value for Money 17:30 Workflow Integration 18:35 Would we recommend it? 19:09 Leaderboard update ___________________________________________________________________ 📚 Watch the rest of the PhD Toolkit here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz6aXl5V5V77ziE8Leh9IuMB4yY4m0Yjq&si=OaQLB5nKrTQdyNwJ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  4. May 25

    Why You Struggle to Do Deep Work During Your PhD and how to fix your focus

    Learn how to apply the core ideas from Deep Work by Cal Newport to your life as a PhD student, postdoc, or early-career researcher. In this episode, we break down what Deep Work actually is, why shallow work can take over your best energy, and how to use the four Deep Work methods: monastic, bimodal, rhythmic, and journalistic. If you want to protect more focused time for writing, reading, analysis, or research thinking, this episode will help you choose the Deep Work method that fits your academic life best. 🎓 About our channel We are The Struggling Scientists. We make honest videos about PhD life, academia, and how to make your research journey a little bit easier. If that sounds helpful, consider subscribing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👉 We’ve created a free AI prompt to help you apply the Deep Work methods to your own research: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/deepwork ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:22 What is Deep work 03:37 Four methods of Deep work 04:26 Monastic method 06:22 Bimodal method 08:18 Rhythmic method 10:22 Journalistic method 13:43 Conclusion 15:08 AI prompt for Deep work 17:02 Final thoughts 📱 Follow us for more content https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-struggling-scientists-podcast/ https://bsky.app/profile/thestrugglings4.bsky.social https://www.tiktok.com/@struggling.scientists https://www.threads.com/@thestrugglingscientistspodcast #academia #phdlife #research #scientificresearch #gradschool #academiclife #deepwork Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  5. May 7

    The Worst AI Mistakes in Published Research

    AI is already being used in academic research, and some of it is going very wrong. In this video, we break down real cases where the misuse of AI led to serious problems in published scientific papers. This includes fake references, copy pasted AI text, and completely incorrect AI generated figures that somehow made it through peer review. From a hospital librarian discovering that most references in a paper did not even exist, to a viral paper with biologically impossible AI images, these examples highlight a growing issue in modern science. But this is not just about researchers using AI incorrectly. It also raises bigger questions about peer review, journal responsibility, and how these mistakes are slipping through the system. ________________________________________________________________ 👉 We are The Struggling Scientists, a channel for all struggling scientists out there. We share honest experiences, practical advice, and real stories to help make your life in academia just a little bit less of a struggle. 🎓 Want to learn how to use AI properly in your research? We created a full AI for Academics Masterclass where we show you how to use AI tools ethically and effectively, without risking your work or credibility: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI __________________________________________________________________ ⏰ TIME STAMPS 00:00 AI is already breaking research 00:50 Copy pasted ChatGPT in a published paper 02:55Fake references discovered by a librarian 04:40 AI generated figures that make no sense 6:55 What this means for science 7:50 Final thoughts 📱 Follow us for more content https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-struggling-scientists-podcast/ https://bsky.app/profile/thestrugglings4.bsky.social https://www.tiktok.com/@struggling.scientists https://www.threads.com/@thestrugglingscientistspodcast #academia #phdlife #research #ai #chatgpt #scientificresearch #gradschool #academiclife #researchintegrity Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  6. Apr 23

    Questions That Destroyed Years of Research (Academia Stories)

    Academia can go wrong… very quickly. In this episode of Academic Tea, we react to real stories from researchers where a single question at a conference, lab meeting, or thesis defense completely changed — or even destroyed — someone’s research. From missing control variables… to flawed assumptions… to realizing your entire project might not be based on the right idea — these are the kinds of moments every scientist secretly fears. If you’ve ever presented your work, worked on a PhD, or sat through a brutal Q&A session… you’ll definitely recognize some of these. 💬 Have you ever had a question completely throw you off during a presentation or meeting? Let us know in the comments — we might feature your story in a future episode! ☕ Academic Tea is our series where we react to real academic stories — the good, the bad, and the painfully relatable. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👉 We’re The Struggling Scientists — a channel for all struggling scientists out there. We share honest experiences, practical advice, and real stories to help make your life in academia just a little bit less of a struggle. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ TIME STAMPS 00:00 When one question destroys your research 00:50 The wrong prey species experiment 04:10 The variable mistake 08:15 “Protein X isn’t even expressed” 10:40 21,500 papers already exist… 13:50 The missing control variable 17:00 Final thoughts ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🎓 Want to use AI tools in your research (ethically and effectively)? Check out our full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📱 Follow us for more content! #academia #phdlife #research #gradschool #scientist #academiclife #phdstruggles #researchlife #academictwitter Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. Apr 2

    Episode 87: How to Actually Focus During Your PhD (Without Burning Out)

    Most PhD students don’t struggle with focus because they’re lazy. They struggle because their attention is constantly being pulled in ten different directions. In this episode, we break down a simple framework to help you actually focus again — without burning out or relying on motivation. If you’ve been feeling scattered, stuck, or mentally drained, this will help you lock back in. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎓 About our channel We are The Struggling Scientists. We make honest videos about PhD life, academia, and how to make your research journey a little bit easier. If that sounds helpful, consider subscribing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👉 We’ve created a free AI prompt to help you apply the LOCK framework to your own PhD: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/lock ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why You Can’t Focus 01:30 The LOCK Framework 02:21 Limit the Horizon 04:00 Output Over Effort 05:32 Cut Decisions 07:18 Know What You’re Avoiding 09:13 How to Lock In Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  8. Mar 20

    Episode 86: What a Dutch PhD Defense is Actually Like

    Did you know that in the Netherlands, by the time you defend your PhD… you’ve already passed? Unlike in many other countries, the Dutch PhD defense is usually not the final exam that determines whether you get your degree. Your thesis has already been approved, failing is extremely rare, and the defense itself feels more like a formal and historic ceremony than an exam. In this video, I take you behind the scenes of my own Dutch PhD defense, exactly one year after it happened. I explain: Why the Dutch system is so different What “Hora Est” means Why you have to defend in Dutch The historic role of paranymphs What the 45 minutes of questioning are really like And how it felt to finally become Doctor If you’re working toward your own PhD defense, curious about academic traditions in different countries, or simply wondering what a Dutch PhD ceremony looks like, this video is for you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎓 About our channel We are The Struggling Scientists. We make honest videos about PhD life, academia, and how to make your research journey a little bit easier. If that sounds helpful, consider subscribing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰ TIME STAMPS 00:00 You’ve Already Passed? (How the Dutch System Works) 01:08 Strict PhD Requirements in the Netherlands 04:08 What Defense Day Actually Looks Like 05:19 Historic Traditions, Dutch Language & Paranymphs 06:43 The 45 Minutes of Questioning 07:32 Hora Est & Becoming Doctor 08:40 One Year Later Reflection --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome everyone to the Struggling Scientists Podcast. This is a podcast by Scientists, for Scientists. But also for aspiring Scientists, anyone science adjacent, and perhaps even hobbyists. Together we will be trying to bring back the fun in science. We all know the scientific field can be difficult and hard at times and it is easy to lose sight of our passion and enthusiasm. In this podcast, we will talk about Science and the people behind Science.  Website: www.thestrugglingscientists.com

Information

  • Creator
    Suzanne and Jayron
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Struggling Scientists

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