Scientists or Technicians?
by Dwayne Phillips
It can be a sobering question, but one that we should address.
Person A: Do you want to hire a scientist or a technician?
Person B: A scientist, of course.
Person A: But the job description lists a lot of tools, software and otherwise.
Person B: Yes, of course. The person needs to use these tools.
Person A: Do you want to hire a scientist or a technician?
Person B: silence
Person A: Technicians use tools. Scientists delve into scientific thought.
Person B: Well, maybe in theory, but we also need the scientist to…
Person A: Do technician jobs now and then.
Person B: Yeah, that’s right!
Person A: Okay, is the technician part of the job 10% or 90%.
Person B: Well, I guess like 20%.
Person A: Then make it 20% of the job description, 20% of the interview, 20% of the hiring decision, 20% of the performance evaluation, 20% of the…
Person B: Okay, I get it, but still…
Person A: There is no but. Do you want to hire a scientist or a technician?