Going through scientific training and then getting a job is a lot like this train ride. It takes a while to complete, is sometimes bumpy, and often unpredictable. But it is interesting and interactive, especially if you are open to such possibilities.

A couple of weeks back it was my first one year in Kolkata and India after pretty long overstay in the USA. Amidst all fear, speculations, we took a rather bold decision to come back to India. My position was not permanent; it still isn't, but that rarely affects my work or my daily functioning. We left our comfortable jobs, beautiful home, green-card to work for our country. Now after … More

Setting up my own lab has been an exhilarating experience, which I have thoroughly enjoyed the past few months. Mid semester recess brought the much-needed break and without much realization month of March knocked at our door. I was oblivious as to what was in store for me.

After I joined the perfect new institute to perform research and teaching simultaneously, the next logical step I embarked upon was setting up the lab. This required finding vendors, comparing specifications and pricing and procuring desired material. This was a responsibility I was utterly unprepared for and was completely naive in the vendor's market.

In my opinion, young PIs are leaving the bench too early and becoming administrators. Experimental work is not solely for the young. If you enjoy working at the bench, keep doing it as long as you can.