Finding identity and voice: A national survey of Canadian postdoctoral fellows

Are the postdoctoral years the “best time of your scientific life”? Although postdoctoral fellows generate a high proportion of ‘cutting-edge’ research, there is little support for, and information about, this vital group of future scientific leaders. To fill this void, an interdisciplinary, national study of postdoctoral fellows (PDFs) in Canada and of Canadian PDFs abroad was undertaken. This questionnaire-based study determined basic demographics, evaluated job stress/satisfaction and work environment, and assessed outlook for future careers using a variety of parameters. Although several aspects were rated satisfactory, the PDFs surveyed identified key areas of concern in their training, including low value placed on them by institutions, lack of benefits, low pay, increased time in postdoctoral positions and concerns about career advancement. Addressing and improving these areas may make a significant difference to the speed and confidence with which future PDFs make the transition to independent positions. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.