Trends in the Early Careers of Life Scientists [Paperback]

Causes, and Implications of Recent Trends in Careers of Life Scientists Committee on Dimensions (Author), National Research Council (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 3, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0309061806 | ISBN-13: 978-0309061803

In each year between 1994 and 1996, more than 7,000 individuals received a Ph.D. in life-science, and the number of graduates is rising sharply. If present trends continue, about half of those graduates will have found permanent positions as independent researchers within ten years after graduation. These statistics - and the labor market situation they reflect can be viewed either positively or negatively depending on whether one is a young scientist seeking a career or an established investigator whose productivity depends on the labor provided by an abundant number of graduate students. This book examines the data concerning the production of doctorates in life-science and the changes in the kinds of positions graduates have obtained. It discusses the impact of those changes and suggests ways to deal with the challenges of supply versus demand for life-science Ph.D. graduates. "Trends in the Early Careers of Life Scientists" will serve as an information resource for young scientists deciding on career paths and as a basis for discussion by educators and policymakers as they examine the current system of education linked to research and decide if changes in that system are needed.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

In each year between 1994 and 1996, more than 7,000 individuals received a Ph.D. in life-science, and the number of graduates is rising sharply. If present trends continue, about half of those graduates will have found permanent positions as independent researchers within ten years after graduation. These statistics--and the labor market situation they reflect--can be viewed either positively or negatively depending on whether one is a young scientist seeking a career or an established investigator whose productivity depends on the labor provided by an abundant number of graduate students.
This book examines the data concerning the production of doctorates in life-science and the changes in the kinds of positions graduates have obtained. It discusses the impact of those changes and suggests ways to deal with the challenges of supply versus demand for life-science Ph.D. graduates. Trends in the Early Careers of Life Scientists will serve as an information resource for young scientists deciding on career paths and as a basis for discussion by educators and policymakers as they examine the current system of education linked to research and decide if changes in that system are needed.

About the Author

Committee on Dimensions, Causes, and Implications of Recent Trends in Careers of Life Scientists, National Research Council

Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: National Academies Press (September 3, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0309061806
• ISBN-13: 978-0309061803
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,567,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars reflects the reality, May 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Trends in the Early Careers of Life Scientists (Paperback)

It is a good book. I wish I have read the book six years earlier (before I enrolled in a PhD program). This book confirms everything I have observed in this field. It should be a required reading for everyone who is thinking about to pursue a career in science.