The Job of a 'Scientific Accountant-Lawyer': Navigating Bureaucracy in Sciences

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In summary, the common horror story for PhDs is that they end up primarily dealing with politics and delegating the scientific work to graduate students. However, some suggest that there may be a demand for a role that combines accounting and legal skills in order to navigate the bureaucratic aspects of running a lab, allowing the PhD to focus on their own research questions. Ultimately, in most upper-level positions, individuals must fight for funding for their own projects.
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Pythagorean
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So the horror story I keep hearing is that you become a PhD and your life becomes politics while you delegate the science to grad students. (This of course, seems to gloss over the whole post-doc position).

Nonetheless, with how much I hear professors complaining about bureaucratic navigation, doesn't that mean there's a job market for a kind of "accountant-lawyer of the sciences" so that when you start running a lab and asking your own research questions you can actually be part of the research while your poli-o-sci adviser handles the bureaucracy?
 
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In any normal upper-level position you will fight for funding for whatever project you feel deserves it (probably your own).
 

1. What exactly does a scientific accountant-lawyer do?

A scientific accountant-lawyer is a professional who specializes in navigating the complex bureaucracy and legal frameworks within the field of science. They are responsible for managing financial and legal aspects of scientific projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and facilitating communication between scientists and government agencies.

2. What qualifications are required to become a scientific accountant-lawyer?

To become a scientific accountant-lawyer, one typically needs to have a strong background in both science and law. This can include a degree in a scientific field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, as well as a law degree or extensive experience in legal matters related to science. Strong analytical and communication skills are also essential for this role.

3. What are some common challenges faced by scientific accountant-lawyers?

One of the main challenges faced by scientific accountant-lawyers is navigating the complex and ever-changing regulations and policies within the scientific community. They must also be able to effectively communicate and negotiate with multiple parties, including scientists, government agencies, and funding organizations.

4. How does a scientific accountant-lawyer contribute to the advancement of science?

Scientific accountant-lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of scientific projects and the compliance of scientists with regulations. By managing financial and legal aspects, they allow scientists to focus on their research and contribute to advancements in their field. They also help to bridge the gap between science and government, facilitating the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world applications.

5. What are some important skills for a successful scientific accountant-lawyer?

Apart from strong analytical and communication skills, a successful scientific accountant-lawyer must also have a solid understanding of scientific principles and laws related to research and funding. They should also possess excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, as well as the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

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