Advice to a Young Mathematical Biologist

TL;DR

This paper provides career advice for young mathematical biologists from experienced researchers.

Contribution

A compilation of career guidance from ten leaders in mathematical biology for early and mid-career researchers.

Findings

The paper covers topics like choosing academia, finding mentors, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

It includes advice on writing papers, grants, and preparing lectures for career advancement.

The guidance is intended to be useful for researchers in mathematical, physical, and life sciences.

Abstract

This paper offers advice to early-mid career researchers in Mathematical Biology from ten past and current Presidents of the Society for Mathematical Biology. The topics covered include deciding if a career in academia is right for you; finding and working with a mentor; building collaborations and working with those from other disciplines; formulating a research question; writing a paper; reviewing papers; networking; writing fellowship or grant proposals; applying for faculty positions; and preparing and giving lectures. While written with mathematical biologists in mind, it is hoped that this paper will be of use to early and mid career researchers across the mathematical, physical and life sciences, as they embark on careers in these disciplines.