The Ultimate Student’s Guide to Scientific Research

1.     Introduction   

Samuel J. S. Rubin, Nir Qvit

2.     The history of science

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

3.     Scientific impacts      

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

4.     A day in the life of a scientist

Samuel J. S. Rubin, Nir Qvit

5.     The scientist’s skillset

Samuel J. S. Rubin, Nir Qvit

6.     The conception of a career in science

Nadav Qvit

7.     Finding the right training program    

Samuel J. S. Rubin, Nir Qvit

8.     Excelling in your undergraduate degree        

Samuel J. S. Rubin, Nir Qvit

9.     Postbaccalaureate programs  

Samuel J. S. Rubin, Nir Qvit

10.  The master’s degree  

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

11.  Excelling in your PhD

Samuel J. S. Rubin, Nir Qvit

12.  The Secret Sauce: how to be an efficient and effective research scientist       

Aaron Leconte

13.  Designing a research project 

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

14.  Obtaining research funding   

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

15.  Publishing and presenting scientific findings

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

16.  Science in a pandemic

Samuel J. S. Rubin, Nir Qvit

17.  Excelling in your postdoc      

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

18.  Starting a laboratory or research group         

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

19.  Alternate and circuitous paths

Bo’az Klartag

20.  Navigating decisions, milestones, and crossroads in science

Samuel J. S. Rubin, Nir Qvit

21.  Women in science     

Brett Goldsmith, Kiana Aran

22.  Scientific career trajectories  

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

23.  Epilogue        

Nir Qvit, Samuel J. S. Rubin

Biography

Dr. “Yoni” Samuel J. S. Rubin completed his PhD in immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine, followed by postdoctoral training, MD, clinical residency, and fellowship at the same institution. His research focuses on better understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying chronic immune-mediated diseases and using this knowledge to develop safer, cheaper, and more effective tools for detecting and treating illness worldwide. In the field of mucosal immunology and immune cell trafficking, Dr. Rubin’s findings have inspired the development of novel blood-based methods for detection of gastroenterological conditions.

Dr. Nir Qvit completed his doctorate in organic chemistry at the Hebrew University in 2008. His graduate work focused on developing strategies for synthesis of small molecules, peptides, and peptidomimetics (modified peptides) for various therapeutic applications. Dr. Qvit completed postdoctoral training and worked as a Senior Scientist in Chemical and Systems Biology at Stanford University. In 2017, Dr. Qvit became a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator of the multi-national and inter-disciplinary Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Protein-Protein Interactions in the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine at Bar Ilan University. 

As someone who went through the educational process of becoming a scientist (undergraduate to graduate school), I can say the content and advice given in this book is extremely helpful and practical for anyone considering a future career in science. This includes advice on excelling in undergrad, masters and PhD programs, becoming an efficient and effective scientist, and an exploration of the various career paths in academia and industry one can apply their scientist training to. This book is well suited for students as early as high school who are considering a career in science, but there are nuggets of wisdom for scientists throughout their development cycle, including those in graduate school or just starting their own research labs.

Bryan Xie, Stanford University

Worthwhile for junior and experienced researchers. Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025. This book is fantastic. I would definitely recommend it for any researcher early in their career. Having gone through it myself, I learned many things I wish I had know earlier and generally got a great perspective on plotting a career trajectory.

Dan Iter, Fastino

As a fellow scientist with a strong interest in soft skills and mentoring, I found The Ultimate Student’s Guide to Scientific Research to be comprehensive, refreshingly down-to-earth, and fun to read. Qvit, Rubin, and their co-authors have managed to capture something that is (too) often missing in academic guidance: they've written a guide that not only explains the academic and professional milestones in science, but also offers an honest, thoughtful look at what it’s actually like to walk this path.

From the early stages of choosing a training program, all the way to starting your own lab or exploring alternative careers, the book covers each step with clarity and practical advice. It doesn't stop at logistics - it addresses challenges, opportunities, and the emotional and strategic decisions that shape a life in science. Chapters like “The Scientist’s Skillset” and “Navigating Decisions, Milestones, and Crossroads in Science” especially resonated with me, as they skillfully bridge the gap between technical knowledge and personal growth.

I especially appreciated the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences, such as the chapters on women in science and non-linear career paths. These additions make the book relevant not just for students just starting out, but also for anyone mentoring or advising the next generation of scientists.

In short, this book does what great science communication should do: it informs, encourages, and provides real-life tools for navigating the scientific journey. I would gladly recommend it to any aspiring scientist, and to the mentors who guide them.

Liron Rozenrkantz