I’m a research assistant (fresh out of undergrad, first RA job) and I’ve been drafting a couple of research papers that my supervisor gives feedback on, and I revise accordingly. The idea is that these papers will be published eventually. Since I’ve written most of it myself basically from scratch and I’m also the one fixing it according to the feedback. I’m wondering, should I be credited as an author if it gets published?
My contract’s ending soon, so I probably won’t be around by the time it’s submitted/published. I know journals have different rules, but generally speaking, should I expect credit?
Also, is it okay to ask my supervisor if I’ll be listed as an author or co-author? It feels a bit awkward to bring it up lol like I don’t want to seem desperate but I’d really like to know. Anyone been in a similar boat?
Comments
Yes, you should ask. You should have asked when you were first given the assignment, but hindsight’s 20/20 and all.
Ask. Norms vary & clear communication can reduce the awkwardness & wondering. If you want authorship credit, offer to be available for later revisions if/when a manuscript is submitted for publication.
This can be field specific, so it would be helpful to get some more details. However, I think it’s completely appropriate to broach the subject with your supervisor if they haven’t made it clear already. It might also be helpful to ask the other RAs in your lab if they have co-authored papers before you discuss it with your supervisor. Are you a graduate student RA or in some kind of pre-doc, or is this a full-time professional position?
Yes, bring this up now.
I’d be even more proactive. Look up the “credit” system. Find out whether and how you fit. Bring this info to your PI and don’t ask, don’t tell either, but just act on the assumption of authorship.
“Hey boss, it’s been really fun working on this project. Based on the credit system, it seems to make sense for me to be [first, second, middle] author. What’s the best way I can be kept in the loop with the other authors as this moves towards submission?”