"It's not about being a good salesman; it's about being an intelligent, mature scientist," says Marc Hellerstein, a professor in the department of nutritional science and toxicology at the University of California, Berkeley.
Colleagues don't always look as good in their lab coats as the forensic scientists on TV, but forensics research is a great job for the right kind of person.
Ensuring a successful postdoctoral appointment and using the experience to launch a solid career require careful preparation. Scientists who responded to this year's postdoctoral survey, sponsored by Science Careers, outline strategies based on their personal histories.