The Conventional Path: Student to Postdoc

Typically, an aspiring scientist progresses through obtaining a graduate degree and subsequently enters post-doctoral training. The "postdoc" is designed to guide academics towards a professorship, where they can run their own lab and secure a tenured faculty position. Depending on the institution, this path can include a mix of research, teaching, and mentoring emerging scientists. Alternatively, some individuals may take on postdoc roles in biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, or governmental research organizations, eventually moving into senior roles within these industries.

However, the last few decades have seen a significant bottleneck where numerous postdocs compete for a shrinking number of academic research roles, often accompanied by reduced pay and benefits. This issue isn't unique to the U.S.; similar challenges are observed globally across various STEM fields, exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic.

Experiencing the Bottleneck

When I commenced my graduate studies, I was already grappling with burnout stemming from personal challenges during my undergraduate years. This was not an ideal foundation for what was expected to be a lengthy academic career. Despite my struggles, I felt compelled to keep progressing, fearing stagnation. Unfortunately, as I approached the end of my degree, I found that postdoctoral opportunities were scarce and funding was increasingly difficult to secure.

After completing my degree, I moved in search of new possibilities while trying to address my lingering burnout. I aspired to teach, but there were no teaching roles available in my specialty. I considered working in a small academic lab, yet opportunities were mostly in large labs focused on areas I wasn't passionate about. At times, I thought about abandoning science altogether.

Despite these setbacks, I cherished lab work. When immersed in a lab environment, equipped with the necessary tools and materials, I could lose track of time in pursuit of answers. I also found joy in teaching, crafting lectures to help graduate students grasp complex concepts. Yet, when it came time to advance in my career, I felt trapped.

Embracing Non-Traditional Opportunities

I soon realized that I was more than just a scientist by training; it was part of my identity. I have an innate curiosity, always seeking answers, regardless of how uncomfortable they may be. I understood I could never entirely detach from science or academia, even if it felt as though they had distanced themselves from me.

I've previously shared how I carved out my current career. Instead of securing a conventional postdoc position, I worked as an independent contractor alongside a researcher, assisting with background information for his publications. I also balanced other non-science related roles during this time. Ultimately, I combined my experiences to establish a career as a scientific editor and writer. For over a decade, I've been self-employed while remaining engaged with science daily.

By pursuing non-traditional paths rather than conforming to the postdoc mold, I found fulfillment in fields I am passionate about.

Alternative Avenues for Aspiring Scientists

Not everyone fits the traditional academic pipeline, and that has always been the case. Many alternative career options exist for recent graduates seeking research roles. Some individuals remain in postdoc positions for decades, while others transition into roles as principal investigators. Similarly, numerous scientists opt to leave postdoc positions to become entrepreneurs, counselors, lawyers, or stay-at-home parents. Others bypass the postdoc route entirely to start their own businesses or write books in different fields.

If you're uncertain about your career trajectory, consider these questions:

1. What do I envision myself doing in 10 or 20 years? (Teaching? Research? Writing?)
2. Which subjects excite me, and which would I prefer to avoid regardless of potential financial rewards?
3. What actions can I take now that align with the first two questions while steering clear of the third?

The answer to the last question may lead you to a traditional postdoc role, but it could also point to an internship at an international think tank or a local nonprofit. Leveraging your current skills might involve pursuing a teaching certification or enrolling in a journalism course to broaden your expertise in a meaningful way.

Exploring Beyond the Traditional Pipeline

While I don't advocate for a purely serendipitous approach, if you're considering alternatives to the conventional academic pipeline, organizations like the National Postdoctoral Association provide valuable resources, advocacy, and job listings to assist you. Additionally, professional societies, such as the American Medical Writers Association and the Editorial Freelancers Association, can offer support as you navigate your path.

Regardless of the direction you take after earning your doctorate, all work contributes to your postdoctoral experience. As long as it aligns with your aspirations, any role can be worthwhile.