Job Search: Side effects

There a couple of unexpected side effects of interviewing for faculty positions. Of course there are the late nights preparing and the stress... but I didn't think about the extra five pounds from being wined and dined combined with missing soccer games. My back is also recovering from back to back flights and long car rides. Really, I'm not complaining. I'm excited that other people are interested in integrating across biology and in my work. There are also numerous pleasant surprises. I may have just gotten access to a great sample set coming up from the deep blue in the near future. I've met many interesting scientists with whom I'd like to collaborate, whether or not I get the job. And I'm getting the opportunity to share my work with people who may not have been exposed otherwise. I thank you again, search committee members, for giving me these opportunities.

Job Search: Whirlwind

Let the whirlwind travel that is January begin... I've safely landed in South Carolina for the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology Meeting - the first of my trips, which will take me to or through six states this month. We'll have to see whether I've got too much or just enough on my plate. My randomly assigned row mate on the plane commented, "A poster and a talk. Double whammy. What, the stress of just one presentation at the conference wasn't enough?" Oh, my new friend, that is just the tip of the iceberg for this month. Good thing I like meeting new people and giving presentations. If the kids don't break their Dad, I think we'll be in good shape.