with unsolicited job advice for new PhDs and almost-done postdocs:

If you enjoy scientific writing, consider looking into freelance scientific editing/writing. The Council of Science Editors (CSE) is a great place to start. Their job board is hopping right now. (+)

I finished my postdoc in 2007/8 at the start of the recession. My plans for an academic career were DOA due to poor NIH funding. I turned to academic writing for global clients. My first year, my take-home pay was half my postdoc salary, but within 5 years it was double. (+)

So, what do you need to be a scientific writer? You need to have 1-2 publications, a demonstrated ability to write grant proposals, and a PhD. You need to be flexible with deadlines, be a self-starter, and be organized. No special certification is needed. (+)

You can work part-time - if you DO get a job, it's easy to stop. There's also the possibility to have it be your full-time job (but, it IS gig work - so it's not stable, which is why I left). Best of all, the work is global - you aren't dependent on US economy. (+)

PIs are writing a LOT right now, and they are desperate for scientific editors. I have had 3 of my former clients contact me in the last month. I can't take them because I have my own full-time job.

IF YOU WANT TO BE A SCIENTIFIC EDITOR, NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT! (+)

If your postodoc or faculty job didn't work out (or you are worried it won't) - this is a great avenue to have "something on the side" that brings in extra revenue as a scientific back-up option. It keeps your mind on the science, so you can transition back to the lab later. (+)

I did freelance scientific editing/writing for 12 years before making the transition back to an in-house job, first in industry and then in academia. The connections that I made through clients as a freelancer have been invaluable, as have the research skills I've learned. (+)

In addition to CSE, I also recommend the American Medical Writer's Association (AMWA), if you are interested in writing publications on clinical trials. AMWA offers numerous online coursework as well. (+)

Good luck! Reach out to those you know who entered the job market in 2007/8 for advice. Many of us had to be flexible with our careers, and created niche fields along the way! /end

Wow, my first viral tweet!

If you are not high-risk, do your own in-person shopping. Disabled and elderly people rely on them and can’t get slots.

Believe survivors and donate to a local DV shelter or food bank.

Yo-Yo Ma streams #SongsOfComfort: https://mobile.twitter.com/YoYo_Ma/status/1252635857238011908