Category Archives: career

My definition of a bombastic project management style, Part III: Metrics

Posted on January 8, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

In the first post of this series, I explained how my funding source (and therefore my job description) has changed in the last couple of months, specifically to include more project management. Still undecided about pursuing formal PM training and … Continue reading →

Posted in career, science | 9 Comments

My definition of a bombastic project management style, Part II: Meetings

Posted on January 8, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

In my last post, I explained how my funding source (and therefore my job description) has changed in the last couple of months, specifically to include more project management. Still undecided about pursuing formal PM training and qualifications, I’m currently … Continue reading →

Posted in career, science | 7 Comments

My definition of a bombastic project management style, Part I: Background

Posted on January 7, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Salary support sources and their impact on my job description As I mentioned in an earlier post, my job (originally a two year position ending in November 2009) has been extended “indefinitely” (i.e. for as long as funding is available). My … Continue reading →

Posted in career, grant wrangling, science | 14 Comments

We have a winner!

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Congratulations to Massimo for winning the First Annual VWXYNot? Readers’ Choice Comment of the Year Award! Here’s your virtual trophy that you may display on your blog if you choose: and please let me know what you want from Amazon … Continue reading →

Posted in career, competition, meta, sport, the 2009 baby boom, travel | 8 Comments

I wish all meetings could be like my last one

Posted on December 18, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Purpose of meeting: to discuss the format and content of a progress report, due on December 30th. I arrived a few minutes late as the elevators were all messed up and I don’t have access to the stairs in that … Continue reading →

Posted in career, food glorious food | 2 Comments

So, who wants to work with me?

Posted on October 21, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

My boss told me last night that he’s recruiting, and asked me if I know anyone who might be interested. He’s looking for two postdocs to start next summer, as well as a grad student “or maybe two”. Our new … Continue reading →

Posted in career, science, Vancouver | 7 Comments

I’d like to thank the International Academy

Posted on October 16, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

I’m coming up to the second anniversary of my return to academia, and I’m still loving it. I like to say that I learned a lot from my time in industry, the most important lesson being that industry doesn’t suit … Continue reading →

Posted in career, rants, science | 26 Comments

Tuesday pet peeve: for fax sake!

Posted on September 22, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

I really, really, really hate fax machines. Seriously, why is anyone still using them now that we have scanners and email? I’m sure they came in very useful in that brief period between their invention and the internet becoming mainstream, but they’re vastly … Continue reading →

Posted in career, plagues, rants, technology | 10 Comments

Tuesday pet peeve: the wrong kinds of ignorance

Posted on September 15, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

(This post could potentially get me into trouble at work – a rarity on this blog! I therefore wrote it without using any of the keywords that might cause the people involved to find it on Google. My apologies if this … Continue reading →

Posted in career, grant wrangling, plagues, rants | 6 Comments

Strawberry Fields Forever

Posted on August 17, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

(Or: “All I really need to know, I learned in a strawberry field in Yorkshire“) I spent most of the day on Saturday handling food while dressed in an attractive yellow t-shirt. I cut hundreds of oranges into eighths, I … Continue reading →

Posted in career, personal | 13 Comments