publication authorship question

[eeeeeek]

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one of the manuscript in the lab i used to work at was recently agreed to be published 'in principle', just need to fix some stuff and rearranges things.

the journal that accepted the pub is Cell, but I am 9th author of 13 authors (not including the PIs). is this pub almost meaningless since I am one of the last authors? We resubmitted it twice and i went from 4th - > 7th -> 9th since I no longer worked at the lab so couldnt contribute to the revisions. thanks

 

[werd]

i'd describe it as "submitted to cell." it's not meaningless that you're not a lead author it's just not as big an accomplishment.

it's definitely a plus to show that you've engaged in publishable research, just an added bonus if you're lead author for a paper.

 

[deleted103644]

Getting your name on a publication in Cell is always a good thing, no matter where you are on the list. The only positions that really matter are first (did the work) and last (paid for it), where you are in the middle doesn't really make a difference although people still fight over it for bragging rights (i.e 4th ~ 7th ~ 9th).

 

[eeeeeek]

thank you guys for the input!

 

[exoslimjim]

if you look at some CVs, many use "in press", "in preparation", "in submission/review" and etc. In your case, i think "in revision" is most appropriate, generally it means you've been reviewed already.

but to address an above comment, 1st author, or last is not a bonus in academics. they are REQUIRED for most academic reviews and grant apps. Generally, those positions are crucial for advancement and funding because they mean you are chiefly responsible and contributed the most significant portion.

 

[TexasPhysician]

A big plus if you are in the top 3 listed authors. Otherwise it doesn't really matter where you are listed. Congrats on the pub in Cell!

 

[eeeeeek]

thanks everyone for the input, we resubmitted n it just got accepted on friday, excited!

 

[footcloud]

I have a related question ~ is it better to be a 3rd author (or even worse) on a mediocre journal article vs. a first author for an oral presentation?

 

[eeeeeek]

footcloud,

from experience, I would think it's better to be a 3rd author or worse on a mediocre journal article. someone correct me if i m wrong

was the oral presentation for an abstract submitted to a conference?

 

[TexasPhysician]

I have a related question ~ is it better to be a 3rd author (or even worse) on a mediocre journal article vs. a first author for an oral presentation?

Publication will ALWAYS trump oral presentation.