Postdoc Professionals is a meeting space for exchange about career progression.

Postdocs face a common challenge: the current position ends and the next step is either another postdoc or a more permanent position, while competition for project funding is increasing. Sharing problems, experiences, insights, and ideas to find ways ahead together supports all who are active in the meetings.

Challenges and needs differ from time to time, person to person, discipline to discipline. One way to learn more about the reality of needs today is to meet and share. This is the purpose of Postdoc Professionals. The meetings are informal, to share personal journeys and insights to build a community in which researchers collectively support each other.

The challenge

Postdocs are in a limbo phase. Universities commonly accept that a postdoc can be for 2 years, or 2+2. Often not more than 4 years totally. Some have that they do not accept one year postdoc even when there is funding for such because it should be 2 years to give a fair offer. So one year of funding has hard to be used even if it is already granted. There are several types of postdoc challenges which make uncertainties for career progression.

Next step at university is another position type. So if you are in a postdoc position, then it is a challenge to stay with your current host organization and come to next position. Assistant professor, associate professor, etc. have their requirements. If you qualify with those, a key one is that you should be the selected candidate. Often there is already someone in mind for a position because they already have a relation from work or network exchange.

The solution

Everyone will have their own solution. It is not immediate. Be active early and keep the exchange ongoing. Opportunities come from personal network. Things will be better when having others to discuss with.