Topic: Postdoctoral Training
Comments by Jim Daniel
Nebraska
7/2/2015
Proposed Actions
Expand the number of competitive NIH-supported training programs for graduate students. Change how training grants are reviewed – emphasis on tracking those that have been supported and where these individuals end up in science or non-science fields.
Optional Comments on the Problem
Cutting technologist positions (40hrs / week at $45,000 / year) only to take on more graduate students (80hrs / week at$22,500 / year) is creating a vicious cycle that is killing the career outlook for future scientists. In addition, the current generation grad students are weakly prepared compared to the previous generation due in large part to weaker mentorship from their advisors (who themselves are stressed for grants). Somehow, someway there needs to be a wakeup call among faculty and administration.