Every year, thousands of researchers apply for their next grant proposal in the hope of being selected for funding to support their research. With the rise of the #MeToo movement, more institutions are requiring researchers to disclose alleged misconduct in their field. As a result, some disciplines are experiencing a huge drop in grant applications, while others are seeing an increase. So, which kind of research job doesn’t require a lot of grant proposals? Perhaps the answer is post-doc. We’ll take a closer look at what a post-doc is and why you might want to consider applying for one.
Post-Doc: The Bridging Researchers and Practitioners
If you’re new to the field, you might wonder what a post-doc is and why you’d want one. Essentially, a post-doc is a paid research position that typically bridges the gap between pure research and applied research, with a focus on generating new knowledge or improving practical issues. Your post-doctoral advisor will be your ticket to this world and can help you navigate the intricacies of research and how to succeed in your career. Additionally, post-docs are often involved in the early stages of a research project before moving on to more applied work. If you have a keen interest in a specific topic, you may find that by joining a research team, you can quickly progress in your field. Just remember to develop your ability to critically analyze existing data and knowledge, as well as generate new data and evidence to back up your work.
If you want to break into the world of academia, a post-doc might be the perfect vehicle for you. It’s a fantastic position for those interested in a more pure line of research or who want some time to pursue an area of interest outside of academia. What’s more, many universities now offer fully funded post-doc positions (with the right to apply for tenure at the end of the sixth year). So, if you’ve got a master’s degree and are looking for a post-doc position, the odds are in your favor.
The Post-Doc Dilemma
Many scientists see post-docs as a transitory stage between graduate school and a faculty position. While the gig may be a fantastic stepping stone to a research-focused career, the experience can be isolating if you don’t find the right mentor. It’s important to have some pros and cons of post-doc work. One of the major pros is the opportunity to dive into cutting-edge research and make a contribution to your discipline. Additionally, post-docs often get to participate in some exciting teaching activities, such as graduate teaching, which allows you to share your expertise and contribute to the next generation of scientists. The cons are similar to the pros, with the added caveat that you may not get to see your outcomes right away. Instead, it could take years for your research to be reflected in actual publications. Another potential cons is the lack of security. Like many other jobs in science, post-docs are often hired on a contract basis. This means that even though you might be getting a pay check, you could be terminated at any time without notice. Finally, post-docs are often over-burdenied with work. With few exceptions, post-docs never live alone, which means that you’ll always have someone coming back from home to help with kid duties or financial burdens. While many consider post-doc work to be a fantastic way to shape one’s career, the reality is that for women, it can be somewhat isolating. Consider applying for a faculty position if you’re interested in a research-focused career, but want some flexibility in your working hours.
Why Should You Consider a Post-Doc Position?
If you’re looking into academia as a potential career path, a post-doc might be a great choice. A post-doc allows you to dive into cutting-edge research and make a contribution to your discipline. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in some exciting teaching activities, such as graduate teaching, which allows you to share your expertise and contribute to the next generation of scientists. The cons of a post-doc are similar to the pros, with the added caveat that you may not get to see your outcomes right away. Instead, it could take years for your research to be reflected in actual publications. Finally, post-docs are often over-burdenied with work. With few exceptions, post-docs never live alone, which means that you’ll always have someone coming back from home to help with kid duties or financial burdens. While many consider post-doc work to be a fantastic way to shape one’s career, the reality is that for women, it can be somewhat isolating. Consider applying for a faculty position if you’re interested in a research-focused career, but want some flexibility in your working hours.
The Rise and Fall of Science Fiction
While research offers many exciting opportunities for women, it’s not always a smooth ride. Much like the publishing industry, science can be both rewarding and challenging, with the former often leading to the latter. Just last year, Nature reported that of the 1,300 researchers that they surveyed, only six per cent feel that their gender plays a role in their career advancement. However, the overall experience of going to college and grad school is still often perceived as being more isolating and frustrating for women. The report also indicated that only 28% of the respondents said that their advisors were supportive while they were in school.
It’s important to note that the above percentages are significantly higher than the average for men and women together. According to the National Science Foundation, only 24% of scientists report that their advisor was very helpful while they were in school, and almost half (48%) said that their advisor was somewhat helpful.
The Bachelor’s Dilemma
If you’re in your last year of undergrad, you may be wondering if you should go for a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. There’s an abundance of masters programs that could lead you to a research position, with many science-related fields offering such degrees. You may even be thinking about getting a bachelor’s degree and then doing a minor in research methods. While many graduate students are focused on diving into their specialties, you may find that a master’s degree will broaden your perspective and prepare you to make a difference in your chosen field.
The Choice Is Yours
Ultimately, it’s your decision whether or not to pursue a post-doc or a bachelor’s degree. As a science student, you may encounter many roadblocks along the way. However, as you weigh your options, consider the pros and cons of both options and what you want out of your career. With a plethora of opportunities in academia, the choice is entirely up to you.