Nov 23 2008
Researcher Career Development
What do postdocs do for career development?
Lightbulb moment
There’s a real buzz in the research community about what to do with our contract researchers.
There is widespread agreement that we need them. As a country, we are not succeeding by the manufacture of products as much as showing the potential of a knowledge economy. It is information and innovation that will allow us to compete on a world stage.
The number of people with PhDs is increasing – so what about the opportunities for employment of postdoctoral researchers?
With my Training For Universities viewpoint, I know we need to support our researchers, to give them skills to thrive in a fast-paced, global research environment.
That is best served by providing funding, infrastructure, opportunity.
Maybe we also need to give them inspiration, options, and stability.
Now, if you’re a researcher you will know what I mean.
A typical researcher career is nomadic, unstable and marked by short-term contracts. Most contracts last no more than 3 years, so after 30 months, many will be looking for their next position. This usually means moving to a new lab, a new home… particularly challenging if you have a family or significant relationship to maintain.
Most researchers accept this as “part of the job” because they love the job.
A typical day at work might contain much that is routine but also new challenge, variety, unpredictability, finding out something new for the very first time… It’s a great life in many ways but I wonder how many researchers also see that these same skills also open doors of opportunity elsewhere?
In my experience, only a minority of researchers would consider themselves as entrepreneurs or creatives. Maybe in working with them I can plant a few seeds, open a few windows and let the slightly unsettling wind of change blow through a few ivory towers.
What if researchers could set up businesses, become financiers, develop sales skills, create independent wealth… and you know, each and every day, somewhere they do!
Maybe they just need to be given a direction and permission to fly…
