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Postdocs’ advice on pursuing a research career in academia: A qualitative analysis of free-text survey responses
- Source :
- PLoS ONE, PLoS ONE, Vol 16, Iss 5, p e0250662 (2021)
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2021.
-
Abstract
- Background The decision of whether to pursue a tenure-track faculty position has become increasingly difficult for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees considering a career in research. Trainees express concerns over job availability, financial insecurity, and other perceived challenges associated with pursuing an academic position. Methods To help further elucidate the benefits, challenges, and strategies for pursuing an academic career, a diverse sample of postdoctoral scholars (“postdocs”) from across the United States were asked to provide advice on pursuing a research career in academia in response to an open-ended survey question. 994 responses were qualitatively analyzed using both content and thematic analyses. 177 unique codes, 20 categories, and 10 subthemes emerged from the data and were generalized into two thematic areas: Life in Academia and Strategies for Success. Results On life in academia, postdoc respondents overwhelmingly agree that academia is most rewarding when you are truly passionate about scientific research and discovery. ‘Passion’ emerged as the most frequently cited code, referenced 189 times. Financial insecurity, work-life balance, securing grant funding, academic politics, and a competitive job market emerged as challenges of academic research. The survey respondents note that while passion and hard work are necessary, they are not always sufficient to overcome these challenges. The postdocs encourage trainees to be realistic about career expectations and to prepare broadly for career paths that align with their interests, skills, and values. Strategies recommended for perseverance include periodic self-reflection, mental health support, and carefully selecting mentors. Conclusions For early-career scientists along the training continuum, this advice deserves critical reflection before committing to an academic research career. For advisors and institutions, this work provides a unique perspective from postdoctoral scholars on elements of the academic training path that can be improved to increase retention, career satisfaction, and preparation for the scientific workforce.
- Subjects :
- Employment
Science and Technology Workforce
Research Facilities
Economics
Science Policy
Science
media_common.quotation_subject
Social Sciences
Sample (statistics)
Passion
Jobs
Surveys
Careers in Research
Research and Analysis Methods
Politics
Surveys and Questionnaires
media_common
Survey Research
Multidisciplinary
ComputingMilieux_THECOMPUTINGPROFESSION
Careers
Career Choice
business.industry
Research
Perspective (graphical)
Public relations
Mental health
Research Personnel
Trainees
Professions
Work (electrical)
Research Design
Labor Economics
People and Places
Workforce
Medicine
Educational Status
Scientists
Position (finance)
Population Groupings
Research Laboratories
Psychology
business
Finance
Research Article
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 19326203
- Volume :
- 16
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- PLOS ONE
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....d2e424100865d344f69dac2db6d09a90