Nerdy Science Blog

SGS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. is hiring a microbiologist/food technologist.

SGS is the Geneva based world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company with operations all over the world. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 46′000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1’000 offices and laboratories around the world. As we continue to expand and move ahead to establish ourselves to be the most competitive and the most productive service organization in the world, we would like to invite qualified and result-oriented individuals to join us in the following position:

Microbiologist/Food Technologist
(Selangor - Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam)

Requirements:

* Degree in Microbiology/Food Technology or related field from recognized universities;
* Preferably candidate with few years of working experience in analytical laboratory or relevant microbiological testing field;
* Knowledge in food hygiene sampling will be an added advantage;
* Possess own transport and willing to travel;
* Energetic, flexible, innovative and a good team player;
* Self starter, fast learner and able to work independently.

If you are interested, you can apply it at JobStreet.com Malaysia. Application deadline is on 4th Feb 2008.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I read this from Dani Rodrik’s blog:

In my experience, though, too many students who are interested in making a difference in the real world go on to the Ph.D–and for the wrong reason. As I always tell students asking me for advice on this, the only good reason to want to do a Ph.D. is that you want to be an assistant professor at some academic institution. If you want to deepen your knowledge or enhance your credentials, go and work out there for four or five years (past a high-quality master’s program), and you will be infinitely more ready to rise up in the world than if you had spent that time doing a Ph.D. And having done well in a master’s program, or having enjoyed it, is no guarantee that you are suited to a Ph.D. program.

Popularity: 1% [?]

This article written by Dr. Rowan Gilmore is worth to read.

Where is research in the list, one might ask? It’s buried in there, but many businesses appear to have forgotten to ask the question. Evidence presented by the ABF at the discussion forum indicated that levels of collaboration between innovating businesses and the research sector in Australia are only 2 per cent, compared with 6-7 per cent in similar economies like Ireland, Sweden, and Denmark, and a phenomenal 26 per cent in Sweden. With only one Australian firm in fifty working with the research sector, the question of relevance needs to be raised. Levels of collaboration with customers are no better in Australia and stand at only 12 per cent, compared with typical values of 25-28 per cent for similar economies. Collaboration with suppliers is equally poor.

(link)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Knowing my past, a lot of time juniors come to me seeking my advice regarding MSc in research. Apart from common things like “knowing your interest/goal in life”, “go for a lecturer who can support the research/have grant”… etc, “getting a right supervisor” is the point I always make it loud and clear!

Some juniors were arguing, certain lecturers might sound nice, but they don’t providing good project. “Good project”? How to define “good”?
Read more »

Popularity: 1% [?]

There’s a Chinese proverb saying that a mouse’s crap can spoil the whole pot of porridge. This is very true, one person in a lab can screw up research that has been carried out for years. One of my fellow friend show me this email she received:

Hi,

I’ve come up blank, best bet is probably just to complete the poster
yourself. I don’t care if you choose to only put your name on the poster
as i have and likely will contribute nothing to it. Same goes for the
group member participation sheets.

Sorry,

You-know-who-you-are

Maybe you think this is funny (me too), but it isn’t funny to the poor groupmate. Choose your working partners carefully, though it is said that sometimes it’s unpredictable, but just try to make the best choice before you start off. If you just run out of luck getting someone as shitty as mouse’s poop, accept it and deal with it. It’s part of everyday’s life.

[pic]

Popularity: 11% [?]

I was told that the higher degree you have, the better pay you will have, but there is this thing always troubles me, does all the companies are willing to pay that high for a PhD dude while they can use that money to hire bundles of bachelor fellas.

[link]

Popularity: 2% [?]

For those study in Monash Clayton, there will be one talk for biological careers.

Venue: E7, Building 72

Time: Tuesday Aug 28, 6pm

Who:

• Charles Meredith, CEO Biosis Research
• Brett Lane, Chief Ecological Consultant BL&A
• David Birch, M.B.B.S., BSc. Hons, F.R.A.C.G.P.

What: A series of talks from people who completed their Bachelor of Science and then went on to get real jobs - because who really wants to stay in academia.

(Click the picture to enlarge the poster)

Popularity: 1% [?]