ASCB Award Essays_喜欢当医生的十大理由.doc

ASCB Award EssaysIts a Wonderful Life: A Career as an Academic ScientistRonald D. Vale Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 Submitted October 9, 2009; Accepted October 13, 2009 ABSTRACT Many years of training are required to obtain a job as an academic scientist. Is this investment of time and effort worthwhile? My answer is a resounding yes. Academic scientists enjoy tremendous freedom in choosing their research and career path, experience unusual camaraderie in their lab, school, and international community, and can contribute to and enjoy being part of this historical era of biological discovery. In this essay, I further elaborate by listing my top ten reasons why an academic job is a desirable career for young people who are interested in the life sciences. 学术科学家的工作需要经过多年的训练。这是否值得的时间和精力的投资？我会响亮的回答：“是的”。“科学家们在选择其研究和职业道路上享有巨大的自由，在他们的实验室，学校和国际社会中体验不同寻常的友情，并能促进生物学的发现并享受作为这种历史时期的一份子。在这篇文章中，我通过列出的十大理由，进一步阐述了为什么对生命科学感兴趣的年轻人来说，学术工作是一个理想的职业。Students are attracted to careers in academic science because of their interest in the subject rather than for financial reward. But then they hear messages that make them think twice about this career choice. It is difficult to find a job: Such scenarios do take place, but if you think that this is what a career in academic science is about, then you need to hear the other side of the story. And this is the purpose of this articlea chance to reflect on the many good things about the academic profession. I would like to share my top ten reasons of why being an academic professor is a wonderful life, one that bright and motivated young people should continue to aspire to pursue. 吸引学生从事学术科研工作是因为他们对这个学科的兴趣而不是金钱上的回报。不过，当他们听到下面的消息，却使他们再次考虑这个职业的选择：这是很难找工作；NIH（国家卫生研究所）的薪水很低；科研工作需要做很多事情。这样的场景确实会发生，但如果你认为科研工作就是这样的话，那么你需要听故事的另一面。这就是本文的目的，借此机会反映有关科研工作很多好的方面。我想分享作为一个学术教授是“精彩人生”的十大理由，是一个充满生机和激励年轻人应该继续追求的职业。 WHY I LOVE MY JOB: TOP TEN REASONS Reason 1: Freedom to Choose Your DirectionsA big attraction and important component of a job as an academic scientist is to launch a research program. Unlike the case of jobs in hierarchal companies or organizations, projects are not dictated or handed down by a senior authority. Quite the opposite, an effective departmental chair or dean promotes independent thinking of its young faculty and does not tell them what to do. Thus, it is up to you to decide what research to perform and how to pursue it. Freedom to pursue your research also is protected by tenure, a rather unique type of intellectual and job protection offered in most academic institutions. This freedom to direct your own research program is great for some, but not desirable for all. It requires initiative and judgment, and there is no prescribed path to success. Naturally, ones choice of research is not without constraints. Research requires money, and your proposed research has to pass the scrutiny of grant agencies and their reviewers. However, the scope of fundable research is very broad, and in practice, one can wander quite a bit from the original aims of a funded grant proposal. In my opinion, scientists have greater freedom in picking projects that interest them than is true of most artistic professions. Being an artist, writer, photographer, or musician may appear to be a carefree and creative existence, but in reality, artists have to sell their works or services to pay the bills. Thus, academic scientists are remarkably fortunate to be able to choose projects that satisfy their intellectual and creative cravings, while still having the security of stable monthly pay check. 原因1：自由选择你的方向 作为学术科学家的一个很大的吸引力和工作组成部分是启动一个研究项目。不像在体制内的公司或者机构里面的工作，项目不是由高层支配或者传递下来的。恰恰相反，一个有效的部门领导或院长鼓励青年教师进行独立思考，而不告诉他们该做什么。因此，这是由你来决定开展何种研究并如何去实施它。自由地从事你的研究在你的任职期间是受到保护的，这也是大多数科研和学术机构中提供的一种特殊的知识和工作保障。自由支配你自己的研究项目对很多人来说是非常重要的，但是并不是所有人都需要它。它需要主动性和判断力，也没有约定俗成的成功之路。当然，一个人的研究选择也不是没有限制。研究需要资金，而且你提出的研究需要通过资助机构及其评审的审查。然而，可资助的研究范围很广，并且在实际情况中，人们可以偏离资助项目的最初目标很多。我认为，科学家比大多数艺术专业有更大的自由来选择他们感兴趣的项目。作为一个艺术家，作家，摄影师，或者音乐家看起来似乎是一个无忧无虑的和创造性的生活，但在现实中，艺术家不得不出售自己的作品或服务来支付账单。因此，科学家们非常幸运，他们可以选择满足他们的智力和创造力需求的项目，同时还具有稳定的月薪来保障生活。Reason 2: Reinventing Oneself throughout Ones CareerAn academic position also allows one to reinvent oneself in more dramatic ways by shifting to new lines of work. Many academic professors start and end their careers as principal investigators running a research laboratory. However, some individuals may decide to leave the research track at some later stage of their career and pursue an administrative position; there is no shortage of such job opportunities for individuals with good organizational and people skills. Others may shift their focus from research to educational activities or decide to leave academics to take positions in industry or government. Thus, an academic professor can take many different career paths, as interests, priorities, and goals change over time. 原因2：在整个事业生涯中重塑自我 一个科研岗位能够通过转变工作路线而重塑自我。许多大学教授都是以研究实验室的主要研究员开始和结束他们的职业生涯的。但是，有些教授可能在他们的职业生涯后期决定离开他们研究岗位，转而从事行政管理工作；对于那些具有良好组织才能和人际沟通技巧的人来说，这样的工作机会是没有缺点的。其他人可能把工作重点从研究转向了教育活动或者离开科研机关，而到行业或者政府部门任职。因此，大学教授能有许多不同的职业道路，可以根据兴趣，侧重点和目标而随时间变化。朗读显示对应的拉丁字符的拼音字典 - 查看字典详细内容Reason 3: Participating in the Great Era of DiscoveryThis is an exciting and historic time to be a biologist. All fields of biology are moving ahead at breakneck speed; we are developing a deep understanding of living organisms, from the complex molecular networks within cells to interactions between species in ecosystems. Our newly gained knowledge of living organisms is fascinating in its own right, but also has enormous practical implications for human health and global sustainability. Making scientific discovery (even if modest) is an exhilarating experience, knowing that one uncovered a piece of the puzzle. However, enjoyment of my job is not restricted to what is happening in my own laboratory. I feel fortunate to have received the training to understand, appreciate, and enjoy what is happening in the biological sciences overall. An important aspect of my job is to read papers and attend seminars or conferences. It is a pleasure to read an insightful paper or hear a beautiful talk. A wonderful aspect of the scientific profession is that one can enjoy and be inspired by work being done by others. 原因三：在参与发现的伟大时代对于生物学家来说，这是一个激动人心的历史时刻。生物学的所有领域都以惊人的速度向前发展，我们正在对生物体的理解不断深化，从细胞内复杂的分子网络上，到在生态系统中物种之间的相互作用。我们最新获得的关于生物体的知识本身就是令人着迷的，而且对人类健康和全球可持续发展也具有巨大的实际意义。参与科学发现（谦虚地说）是一种令人振奋的经历，当他发现了谜题的冰山一角。然而，我工作的快乐不仅限于我自己实验室内的发现。我很荣幸接受了相关训练，从而能够了解，欣赏，享受生物科学的整体发展。我工作的一个重要方面是看论文期刊和参加研讨会或会议。读到精辟的文章或听到一个美丽的演讲都是很令人开心的。科研工作一个奇妙的方面是，人们可以享受别人的工作成果并获得启发。Reason 4: Being Part of an International Community Joined by Common InterestsAlthough my job is based in San Francisco, I feel connected to a global scientific community. Many of my close intellectual colleagues and friends reside in India, Japan, China, and Europe. Although we have been brought up in different cultures, we have much in common as the result of our shared experiences in the practice of science, our unifying passion for discovery, and the common language of how we seek truth and establish proof. Scientists working in different countries are connected through long-lasting intellectual bonds and not by corporate structures that hold individuals together one day and then might dissolve the next. We connect and self-organize through common interests, not through top-downdriven partnerships. 原因4：作为一个共同兴趣国际社会的一部分虽然我的工作在旧金山，但我觉得连接到全球科学界。我最亲密的同事和朋友，许多知识分子居住在印度，日本，中国和欧洲。虽然我们成长在不同的文化下，我们在分享科学的实践经验中却能发现有很多共同之处，我们对探索发现的热情追逐，以及我们追求真理和检验论证的共同方式。在不同国家工作的科学家是通过长期的连接通过长期知识纽带连接起来的，而不是像公司结构那样，很多人在一起工作，但是却在不久之后就各奔东西了。我们通过共同的兴趣爱好连接并组织起来，而不是通过上下级的合伙关系。Reason 5: Pleasant Travels. As an academic professor, travel is economy class but usually is enjoyable (and you can decide how much and where you travel). Delivering seminars is an important means of exchanging information and making contacts for collaborations. A seminar trip also is very rewarding and fun. During a seminar visit, you meet with various faculty and learn about their science, have lunch with students, and have a relaxing dinner with colleagues. A very pleasant way to spend a day! Scientists also travel to conferences to present their work and hear the latest results from others. These venues also provide opportunities to see old friends and make new ones. Sharing meals or a beer provides a venue for discussions of scientific nuances, new projects, collaborations, wild ideas, philosophy, and perhaps some gossip. Scientists come back energized from a good seminar trip or scientific meeting and usually bring back at least one new experimental idea or view of a problem that can significantly advance their research. Oh and yes, seminars or scientific meetings are often held in delightful cities. 原因5：愉快的旅行 作为一个大学教授，旅行虽然是经济舱，但通常是令人愉快的（你可以决定去哪旅行和花费多少）。研讨会是一个提供交流信息和联系合作的重要手段。一个研讨会的旅行也有很大的收获和乐趣。研讨会期间，你能碰到各种的教师，了解他们的科学，与学生共进午餐，并与同事享用轻松的晚餐。一天都可以过得非常愉快！科学家还前往出席会议，展示他们的工作和听取别人的最新成果。这些会场也提供机会见到老朋友，结交新朋友。一起吃饭或喝酒提供了一个科学的差异，新的项目，合作，疯狂的想法，哲学，也许还有一些八卦的讨论场所。科学家们从良好的研讨会或者科学会议回来通常会充满激励，带回新的实验想法或者解决问题的看法，从而明显促进他们的研究。哦，是的，研讨会或学术会议经常在美妙的城市举行。 Reason 6: A Social and Youthful JobMany people imagine the stereotypic scientist as someone who performs experiments alone in the lab, deep in thought and surrounded by racks of test tubes. But more importantly, academic science is a very social endeavor. A good research laboratory not only produces results but also functions as a social glue, a second family. A lab is a setting of close friendships and collegiality; this work environment has little or no hierarchy. It is a place where students, postdocs, and technicians cheer for each others success and help one another to accomplish their experimental goals. The department, the floor, and the building constitute larger beehives of interactions. Seminars, journal clubs, beer hours, and retreats bring laboratories together. Such social events are integral to the business of science, since people talk about their ideas or latest results as much as they talk about the latest movie. Interesting collaborations are spawned more often in these settings than in formal, scheduled meetings. Similar types of interactions occur at national or international venues. An idea for a new experiment might emerge through a conversation at the bar at a Gordon Conference or over dinner at the ASCB meeting. By-and-large, scientists enjoy working with one another, and ideas synergize through conversations. Quite often successful collaborations are based on intersections of compatible personalities as well as the underlying science. Although not taught in undergrad or grad school, the importance of the human element for scientific success cannot be underestimated. Quite fortunately, science is not the dry and impersonal occupation that some might envision. I also enjoy academics because of its youthful character. By this I mean that the practice of science is driven predominantly by young people: undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs who are doing the experiments in the lab. Academic professors are primarily coaches who train and advocate for the next generation. Instead of becoming more sequestered with senior colleagues as one climbs up a corporate ladder, my academic career will always be filled with the energy and spirit of young people who populate my laboratory. Trainees come and go, which also changes the character of a lab. In addition to being a fun environment, senior scientists learn a tremendous amount from their junior colleagues, who are often smarter and invariably more in touch with the modern practice of science. 原因6：一个社会和“青春”工作 在很多人的印象中，“刻板的科学家”就是那些独自在实验室做试验，在周围都是试管架的情形下思考问题的人。这个是毫无根据的，首先我们如今已经很少使用试管了。更为重要的是，学术研究是非常社会化的。一个良好的科研实验室不仅出科研成果，而且还是一个社会润滑剂，是第二家庭。实验室是亲密友谊和同事之情的集合地，这个工作环境是很少有或没有等级的。这是一个学生，博士后 研讨会，期刊俱乐部，畅饮时间，务虚会等将实验室联系在一起。这些社会活动成了科学不可缺少的一部分，因为人们谈论他们的创意或最新成果就像谈论最新的电影一样。有趣的合作往往是在这样的集合下促成的，而不是在那些正式排定的会议中。同样的互动也发生在国内或国际场合。一种新的实验想法可能会在戈登酒吧或ASCB会议晚宴的某次谈话中涌现。基本上，科学家喜欢与人一起工作，而且在相互交谈中能涌现创意和灵感。往往成功的合作是在人性的兼容以及背后的科学交叉点基础上达成的。虽然没有在本科或研究生院教授， “人性元素”对科技成就的重要性不容低估。很幸运的是，科学不是某些人所想象的那种枯燥，无人性的职业。 我也因为科学的年轻特性而喜欢它。我的意思是说，科学的实践是由年轻人为主：那些在实验室做实验的本科生，研究生和博士后。教授主要是对下一代进行培训和指导。不像公司企业中努力想向上爬成为高层管理人员，我的学术生涯将永远充满我实验室内那些年轻人的活力和干劲。学员来来去去，这也改变了实验室的性格。除了是一个充满乐趣的环境，老科学家也从他们年轻的同事那里获益良多，因为年轻人更聪明并且总是经常接触现代科学的实践。 Reason 7: Many Measures of SuccessThe academic profession can appear scary to trainees who feel that their future requires continual high-profile publications, running a big lab, and obtaining multiple grants. However, the pinnacle of scientific happiness is not necessarily running a lab of 15 people at UCSF. I am happy with this life, but this is not right for everyone. Fortunately, the profession accommodates many different styles and people can find their own niche. Also success should not be defined by the length of a CV, the sum of journal impact factors, or the name recognition of ones institution. Such kinds of success do not necessarily equate with happiness. I offer another metric of success, one that can achieved by anyone with a good heart and motivation and one that is not reserved for the subset of scientists who run big labs at highly ranked institutions. This metric is the impact that an individual makes at his/her institution and with his/her students and colleagues throughout the world. This type of success is cumulative over a career, much longer lived than most of our publications, what is recalled at a retirement party, and most importantly, the type of success that is the most personally rewarding. 原因7：“成功”的多种衡量科研行业在学员眼里，可能会让他们感到可怕，会觉得自己的未来需要持续地发表“优质”的论文，运行一个大的实验室，并寻求各种科研拨款。但是，科学幸福的真谛并不是需要运行在加州大学旧金山分校一个15人的实验室。我很乐于这种生活，但是这并不适合每一个人。幸运的是，这个行业能容纳多种不同的类型，人们总是可以找到自己的定位。此外“成功”的定义不应该由一个简历的长度，期刊影响因子的总和，或个人所在机构的“知名度”来确定。这种类型的成功并不一定等同于幸福。我提出成功的另一种指标，任何一个心地善良的人都可以实现的成功指标，并不是顶级科研机构里拥有大型实验室的科学家所专有的。这个指标就是一个人把他/她的机构跟他/她的学生和同事一起扩大在世界范围内的影响。这种类型的成功是在整个职业生涯中累积的，比我们大部分的论文刊物更有生命力，能够在退休宴会上回忆，最重要的是，这种成功的类型是对个人最有益的。Reason 8: Flexible Daily ScheduleAcademic scientists are freed, to a large extent, from a rigid work hours. Arrival times are not dictated by the opening bell of the stock market, and lunch breaks need not end when the clock strikes one. I enjoy the flexibility of planning my day, week, month, and even my work environment (a coffee shop sometimes provides a more conducive setting for working on a manuscript than my office, where I will am bound to be interrupted). However, do not get the wrong impression; flexibility in time does not mean little time working. Because scientific work is demanding and always open-ended, scientists tend to be workaholics rather than slouches. The work week of a scientist meanders into mornings, evenings, and weekends. Ill be home in 30 minutes usually means an hour. But if you want some time to relax or need to pick up the kids from school, you can arrange this. It is your time and you get to manage it, as long as you earn this flexibility by being responsible and productive. As a further footnote on the flexibility of my work environment, I own vastly more T-shirts than ties. 原因8：灵活的时间安排 很大程度上，学术科学家是不受僵化的工作时间所约束的。上班时间不取决于股票的市场开盘铃声，午餐休息也不需要到时钟指到一点就必须结束。我喜欢我能灵活安排我每天，每周，每月的工作，甚至我的工作环境（咖啡馆有时比我的办公室更适合写论文稿，因为在办公室我的工作经常会被打断）。 但是，不要以为灵活安排时间就意味着工作时间少。因为科学工作往往是开放式的，因此科学家往往是工作狂，而不是懒惰者。科学家的工作周延伸到早晨，晚上和周末。 “我会在30分钟内回家”通常是指一个小时。但如果你想要一些时间来放松或需要从学校接孩子，你可以安排这个时间。这是你的时间而且你可以自己安排，只要你工作负责任并且高产，你就具有这个时间的灵活性。 作为对我的工作环境的灵活性进一步的注脚，我自己买的T恤衫要比领带多得多。Reason 9: Doing Some GoodAcademic scientists tend to focus on problems and activities that they find interesting. No doubt, there is an element of self-indulgence. However, most academic scientists also are motivated by contributing to the common good. In rare cases, a discovery or new technology will translate directly to a new drug, device, or insight that improves human health, agriculture, or the environment. Even if these goals are not reached, the bulk of scientific work nevertheless builds our understanding of the world in which we live, which is necessary for future practical applications that we cannot foresee. Knowledge, either pure or sometime practical, is a good product and something that one can be proud of generating through a lifetime of work. Education and mentoring are other important contributions to society. Academic scientists can contribute at many levels, by part-time teaching of K-12 grades, instructing undergraduates or graduates, or communicating with the general public. 原因9：做有益的事学术科学家倾向于把重点放在他们感兴趣的问题和活动上。毫无疑问，这有一种自我任性的元素。不过，大多数学术界的科学家也正在积极促进公益事业。在极少数情况下，一项发现或新技术将直接转化为一个新的药物，设备或理论，从而改进人类健康，农业，或环境。即使这些目标没有达到，但不管怎样，科学工作增强了我们对所生活的世界的理解，这对于将来实际应用是我们不能预见的。知识，无论是纯粹的或某个实用知识，是一个很好的“产品”，一些人在一辈子工作都会感到自豪。教育和指导是对社会的其他重要贡献。学术科学家在多个层次做贡献，比如兼职教导K - 12年级，指导本科生或研究生教学，或与公众的沟通。 Reason 10: ScholarshipAcademic institutions are founded on the precept of scholarship. I am evaluated on my ability to derive new knowledge, write scholarly papers, and teach. All represent continual challenges for learning and opportunities for self-improvement. Being a student at heart, it is irresistibly appealing to have a job that involves being part of a life-long school. As an academic scientist, it is a privilege to be supported by an enlightened society that is willing to support my scholarship and that understands that broad-based scholastic activity is the best path to societal improvement and industrial innovation. I also feel that it is my duty to uphold this privilege and contract with society by working diligently and in good faith in my academic occupation. 原因10：奖学金 学术机构是建