The benefactor

This week's Nature has a short article in its "Jobs" section called "The benefactor" in which author Maria Ocampo-Hafalla explains how despite all her high-level scientific training and education at a women's college, her mission in life is to become a "kept woman."

Ocampo-Hafalla has groomed herself for the role, directing her interests and activities to become the most attractive candidate. Now, she does her best to satisfy her benefactor in exchange for financial security and perks such as a personal allowance.

Her benefactor, of course, is the foundation that funds her post-doctoral fellowship (she's a research fellow at Cancer Research UK's London Research Institute). It's a clever take on traditional gender roles and an interesting commentary on women's participation in the business of science.