Features in 2011

Nature's international student survey reveals changing career preferences — and a need for inspiring mentors.

Minnesota made its mark in medical devices and has green potential. But state funding woes could hamper progress.

Those who prefer organizing ideas to working at the bench should consider a career in technical writing.

Principal investigators can show their postdocs how to make the most of their job search — and that can help both parties.

The field of biofuels has suffered from cycles of interest and neglect. Still, enterprising researchers have myriad options.

Cramped living conditions, unruly colleagues or crowded schedules can be challenging for the most intrepid scientist.

A US court case is making stem-cell researchers nervous. But the field continues to thrive.

Grants and fellowship programmes can lessen the shock of re-entry for researchers who have taken a career break.

A good technician can be vital to a successful lab. But how to become one, and how to select the best in a diverse market?

Forensic scientists can work in academia, government and the private sector, but the field is competitive.

There's good news for aspiring geoscientists. Job opportunities at all career stages are on the rise.

Researchers who can grasp the intricacies of the immune system and enjoy distilling meaning from large data sets are in demand for a growing subfield of systems biology.

To secure elusive funding, entrepreneurs must understand the financial landscape and the motivations of investing firms.

US scientists who take on consultancy can gain experience, supplement their income — and face logistical challenges.

San Diego's diverse corporate science portfolio offers opportunities for open-minded scientists hoping to escape stagnation in academia.

Some scientists might not like the persona they see when they look online. But they can do something about it.

Cancer vaccines have long shown lots of potential but few results. Signs of success now suggest opportunities.

Biocatalysis specialists are in high demand in industry.

Despite market gyrations, banks can offer mathematicians and physicists a way to put their acumen to lucrative use.

Some science fields in Canada's second most-populous province are booming; others are stagnating.