Topic: Postdoctoral Training
Comments by Christina D
6/29/2015
Proposed Actions
Temporary training or internships after a PhD should be eliminated. The vast majority of postdocs appear to exist only for refining one’s pipetting skills. All this does is enable abuse and exploitation of the most highly educated and creative people among us. Only full employment makes sense. Further technical training should not be required after earning a PhD. And although many are not ready nor desire a PI position because they lack other ‘soft’ skills, work as staff scientists, research assistant professors, etc. as permanent or semi-permanent employment options should be reasonable alternatives.
Optional Comments on the Problem
Individuals in their 30s need the stability of full employment, with social security, retirement benefits, full health insurance, etc. so they can start families. The United States needs to invest in protecting their best and brightest.