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So, I voted yes on this, but I want to expand on my thinking. I think the flexibility of post doc contracts, to a limit, is good. 3-5 year contracts work really well, and mean you don't have a lot of pressure.
But, let's talk about stability and permanent work. https://twitter.com/ChrisDPattison/status/1304018596780224512
But, let's talk about stability and permanent work. https://twitter.com/ChrisDPattison/status/1304018596780224512
A reason that post docs shouldnt just have permanent positions is that 1. You can't guarantee they want to stay in academia long term and 2. You favour candidates local to the position and drown out people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Both super valid and correct.
Both super valid and correct.
My problem with the current system isn't that we have temporary contracts, it's that there's no support around the end of those contracts. You can be a great post doc, great output and prospects, and still end up without a job because of funding cycles and bad luck.
When I think of "permanent" post doc research work, what comes to mind is doing away with precarious situations. Keep the 3-5 year contracts (ditch the 1-2 yr ones), but don't leave people hanging when contracts end and work isn't lined up.
We should have a system in place that acts as a safety net for post docs who don't get the funding when and where they need it.
No one should be put in the position where they will end up unemployed or have to unwillingly leave academia.
No one should be put in the position where they will end up unemployed or have to unwillingly leave academia.
Think of it like a rolling tenancy agreement. You run out your three years, but the right jobs hasn't come along, so the uni and funding council put you on a 1-3 rolling contract, with the assumption that you'll be spending time refining your proposals and job applications.
A universal academic stipend, if you will. A guaranteed income for researchers and academics who have papers to finish, proposals to write and find themselves between fixed term contracts.
Temporary post docs aren't bad, what's bad is the possibility people end up without one.
Temporary post docs aren't bad, what's bad is the possibility people end up without one.
