You sure you want that chemistry PhD?

An choice memo from a CalTech professor chastising a student for failing to work nights and weekends is making the rounds on the web.

"In addition to the usual work-day schedule, I expect all of the members of the group to work evenings and weekends," Carreira wrote. "You will find that this is the norm here at Caltech....I have noticed that you have failed to come into lab on several weekends ..." The letter ended with a not-so-veiled threat: "I receive at least one post-doctoral application each day from the U.S. and around the world. If you are unable to meet the expected work-schedule, I am sure that I can find someone else as an appropriate replacement for this important project."

My take aways:

• If you ever become an evil PI, don't commit anything to writing.
• Are you sure you want a PhD in chemistry?