Office of Scientific Career Development
Core Competencies of a Successful Scientist
These are the skills that a scientist should have by the end of his/her training. These skills will allow the scientist to more successfully pursue and obtain permanent employment.
Scientific Knowledge
Acquired during graduate and postdoctoral training via coursework, mentoring and performing research
- Analytical approach to defining scientific questions
- Design of scientifically testable hypotheses
- Broad-based knowledge acquisition
- Interpretation and analysis of data
Research Skill Development
Acquired during graduate and postdoctoral training via performing research, mentoring and coursework
- Laboratory techniques and safety
- Experimental Design
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Statistical analysis
- Effective search strategies and critical evaluation of the scientific literature
- Principles of the peer review process
Communication Skills
- Writing
- Publications
- Grants/applications
- Career
- CV and resume
- Cover letters
- Research and teaching statements
- Speaking
- Presenting your research
- Posters
- Conferences/seminars
- Powerpoint presentations
- The job interview
- interviewing skills/overall presentation
- job talks
- Teaching
- Classroom
- Public
- Presenting your research
- Interpersonal skills
- Style, tone and nonverbal cues
- Negotiation
- Performance reviews/feedback
- Difficult conversations/minimizing conflict
- Networking
Leadership and Management Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Creating a vision and setting goals
- Running meetings
- Delegating responsibilities
- Motivating/inspiring others
- Mentoring/serving as a role model
- Diversity-working with individuals with diverse gender, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds
- Conflict management/resolution
- Project Management
- Time management
- Establishing priorities
- Planning the project timeline
- Collaborative Science
- Types of collaboration
- Project goals
- Expectations of collaborators
- Time management
Responsible Conduct of Research
- Core Competencies of a Successful Scientist
- New Scientist Career Conversation
- Fellowships
- Professional Development Training
- Career Counseling for Scientists
- Job Websites
- Listservs for FHCRC Scientists
- Information for PIs Writing a Training Grant
- Resources for International Scientists
- ESL Course and Tutoring Resources
- Faculty Applications
- Planning for your future
- Diseases
& Research
- Treatment
& Support
- About Us
- Labs &
Projects
- Events &
Community Programs
- How You
Can Help Us
The Hutchinson Center's world-renowned scientists are discovering new ways to detect, prevent and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and many other diseases.
- License Our Discoveries
The Hutchinson Center's world-renowned researchers work together to pursue lifesaving therapies that will help eliminate cancer and related diseases.
The Hutchinson Center's clinical research breakthroughs are delivered to patients through our treatment arm, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. This collaboration combines the strengths of the Hutchinson Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children's.
You can help eliminate cancer and related diseases by attending Hutchinson Center events and participating in our other fundraising and community efforts.
- Divisions
The Hutchinson Center's pioneering researchers push the boundaries of science to find new ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer and related diseases.
Private support is critical to fund new research ideas and innovations, accelerating our ability to make lifesaving discoveries.
