人工進化研究所（AERI）
- Oct 28, 2023
- 9 min read

What is a Postdoc (Part-Time Position)? Salary, Marriage, and Term Issues

Professor Kamuro's near-future science predictions:

What is a Postdoc

(Part-Time Position)?

Salary, Marriage, and Term Issues

Quantum Physicist and Brain Scientist

Visiting Professor of Quantum Physics,

California Institute of Technology

IEEE-USA Fellow

American Physical Society-USA Fellow

PhD. & Dr. Kazuto Kamuro

AERI：Artificial Evolution Research Institute

Pasadena, California

HP: https://www.aeri-japan.com/

and

Xyronix Corporation

Pasadena, California

HP: https://www.usaxyronix.com/

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What is a Postdoc (Part-Time Position)? Salary, Marriage, and Term Issues

Postdocs (Part-Time Positions) may seem commonplace for researchers, but they come with term limitations. Typically, when employed by research institutions or labs under the guidance of a principal investigator (such as a research director or professor), these positions are funded for a few years, depending on the available financial resources. In practice, they can be extended if the principal investigator secures additional research grants. However, even though it's often stated as a few years, the actual employment contracts are frequently renewed on an annual basis. In essence, there's a certain level of uncertainty as postdocs are in danger of losing their positions in the following year if they are perceived as non-productive by the principal investigator.

Even if you have the favor of your principal investigator, if they fail to secure sufficient research funding to maintain postdoc positions, you may still face the risk of termination. If universities have their own funding sources to support postdocs, there is generally more economic and emotional stability in the equation.

1. Definition of a Postdoc (Part-Time Position)

A postdoc, short for "postdoctoral fellow," is a temporary research position typically lasting for a few years, which follows the attainment of a doctoral degree in graduate school and precedes obtaining a university faculty position. It serves as a period to gain the research accomplishments necessary to secure a position as a university faculty member. During this postdoc (part-time position) period, it's essential to conduct rigorous research, produce significant results, and publish in reputable journals. Failing to do so can hinder your progress to the next career stage. When examining the achievements of individuals who have transitioned from postdoc (part-time positions) to faculty roles at prestigious institutions like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Harvard, or Stanford, you'll almost invariably find multiple publications in top-tier journals (such as Cell, Nature, Science, and their counterparts). Even in more typical universities, it seems that in today's academic climate, only those who have published in journals of this caliber have the opportunity to become university faculty members. The assessment of a researcher's achievements largely depends on the university's criteria and approach.

2. Postdoctoral Training

In Japan, there is a prevailing notion that obtaining a doctoral degree should mark the transition to becoming a full-fledged researcher. However, I was surprised to discover during my time in the United States that the term "postdoctoral training (PI)" is used to describe the period preceding becoming a principal investigator (PI), highlighting its nature as a training phase.

Recently, in Japan as well, the term "postdoc (part-time position)" has gained recognition. However, it is often associated with the negative context of the challenges faced by doctoral graduates in finding employment, leading to misunderstandings. To rectify these misunderstandings, the following clarification is provided.

3. Duration of Postdoc (Part-Time Position)

A postdoc (part-time position) is a period for individuals who have obtained their doctoral degrees to prepare for a full-time faculty position at a university. Ideally, it should last for about 2 to 3 years, with some taking up to 5 years, primarily due to the challenge of publishing significant research papers. However, this is an ideal scenario. In recent years, as indicated by the so-called "postdoc (part-time position) problem," the shortage of available faculty positions at universities has created a situation where even individuals with some accomplishments may find it extremely difficult to secure faculty roles. Consequently, they end up lingering in postdoc positions, aging, and facing increasingly unfavorable prospects for future employment.

4. Ownership of Work in Postdoc (Part-Time) Positions

In research institutions and labs, all the work is generally considered to be under the purview of the research director or professor (the head of the lab or research unit). Even if a postdoc (part-time position) writes a paper as the first author, from an external perspective, it is evaluated as the work of the research director or professor (or PI) leading the lab or research unit. This is evident because, even if someone identifies a promising research topic, they may not be able to take that research topic with them when they leave the lab or research unit.

The division of research topics depends on the mindset of the boss (research director or professor). Some bosses have no qualms about sharing research topics and don't mind having competitors, while others strictly forbid the use or dissemination of their research topics. Some bosses skillfully manage to coexist with their team members and share research themes effectively.

5. Postdoc (Part-Time Position) Salary and Annual Income

Postdocs (part-time positions) don't typically receive regular pay raises, regardless of the number of years or their age. Whether you are a 30-year-old postdoc, a 40-year-old postdoc, or a 50-year-old postdoc, there is usually no difference in your salary. The only scenario where differences in salary might arise is when the employment system for that postdoc differs. It depends on whether the boss (research director or professor) employs them with research grants, if they are employed by the university itself, if they are special research fellows of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (PD, commonly known as "Gakushin"), or if they are employed in projects like CREST. When the boss employs them with research grants, they often receive only the minimum stipend available. Even senior postdocs have salaries comparable to entry-level employees in some companies. Postdocs (part-time positions) are not considered full-time positions, so they do not typically receive bonuses.

There is an article in the journal Nature that provides examples of postdoc (part-time position) salaries. It appears that there are significant variations in annual incomes based on the country, field of research, and individual circumstances.

Here are some key findings regarding postdoc (part-time position) annual incomes, based on the Nature article "The Academic Precariat" (Nature Digest, Vol. 18, No. 2):

・Less than half (42%) of respondents reported an annual income of more than $50,000 but less than $80,000 (approximately ¥5,150,000 to ¥8,250,000).

・New postdocs (part-time positions) receiving the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Intramural Research Training Awards (IRTA) in the United States earn a minimum of $52,850 per year (approximately ¥5,450,000).

・38% of respondents reported an annual income of over $30,000 but less than $50,000 (approximately ¥3,100,000 to ¥5,150,000), while 15% reported earning less than $30,000.

・In Europe, a survey conducted by the European Network of Postdoctoral Associations in 2019 revealed significant income disparities among postdocs (part-time positions). The median income was approximately $38,000 (approximately ¥3,900,000), which aligns with the findings in the Nature article.

These statistics highlight the variability in postdoc salaries based on factors like location, research field, and individual circumstances.

6. Poverty Levels Among Postdocs (Part-Time Positions)

The salaries of postdocs (part-time positions), especially in cases funded by research grants, are typically quite low. It's not because the bosses (research directors or professors) are being frugal, but rather, there's often a limited budget to work with. As a result, postdocs receive very modest income, typically around ¥4,000,000 (approximately $40,000) annually.

7. Love and Marriage in Postdoc (Part-Time) Positions

Postdocs (part-time positions) are typically considered a training phase before obtaining a full-time position at a university, so most people invest 100% of their efforts in research. Consequently, there might not be much room for romantic relationships. Postdocs who engage in romantic relationships or marriage during this phase might be seen as individuals who have prematurely given up or fallen behind.

However, if someone had a romantic partner or significant other from their student days, this can raise complex questions about their future and whether to get married.

In the mindset of male postdocs (part-time positions), the prevailing sentiment is typically one of rationality and pragmatism. They often believe that in a situation where they are uncertain about the future of their career, marriage or similar commitments are not feasible. This perspective is likely shared by the majority of male postdocs.

Rushing into marriage recklessly is generally associated with individuals driven by strong reproductive instincts, often labeled as struggling or less competent postdocs, or individuals primarily motivated by obtaining citizenship. Consequently, women often find themselves waiting. However, given the situation indicated by the "postdoc (part-time position) problem," where many postdocs age without securing a job, it might be wise to assume that the right timing for marriage will never come.

8. The Life of a Postdoc (Part-Time Position)

In theory, postdocs (part-time positions) should only spend a few years in this role before moving on to the next step in their careers. However, many postdocs find themselves trapped in the quagmire of the postdoc (part-time position), unable to progress as intended.

Reading the "Shirakiya Copy&Paste" which describes the life of aging postdocs (part-time positions), can indeed evoke a sense of misery. In reality, the situation can be even worse, with severed friendships and a state of being effectively out of contact from their perspective. This often leads to circumstances where even the chance to have a drink at a budget izakaya seems highly unlikely.

9. The Fate of Postdocs (Part-Time Positions)

Those postdocs (part-time positions) who have managed to achieve remarkable results may have the opportunity to transition to tenure-track assistant professor or tenure-track associate professor positions. Even if their achievements are less prominent, there's still a chance to become an assistant professor somewhere (networking plays a crucial role).

A postdoc, when unable to produce results and when their supervisor (research institute director or professor) can no longer afford to employ them, is left with no choice but to leave. However, they may face a dilemma as they have nowhere else to go, making the decision to exit academia necessary.

However, as one ages, the option to transition into the private sector has already dwindled. Even consulting with job placement agencies doesn't result in viable positions, leaving no choice but to continue striving in academia. This leads to further aging as a postdoc in non-tenure track positions.

Even with a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo, dreams of attaining PI positions such as tenure-track assistant professor or tenure-track associate professor in Japan have been shattered. Job hunting for the first time in your 40s becomes a necessity. For those who couldn't secure positions as PI or researchers in Japan, it's a given that they will face formidable challenges in the United States, aiming for roles like tenure-track assistant professor or tenure-track associate professor or any other tenure-track positions. The dream now shifts to becoming a researcher in China.

Source: "A Miserable Postdoc (Non-Tenure Track) - Even with a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo, No Regular Position, Job Hunting in Your 40s, Dreaming of Becoming a Researcher in China" (Soho: Okuda Takeshi / Seidansha, July 1, 2019, 07:00 Business Journal).

If you find yourself in a challenging situation during your postdoc experience in academia, it's important to consider your next steps. Here are several ideas to consider when contemplating a departure from academia:

・Transition to Industry: Transitioning from academic research to the corporate world is a viable option. Many companies seek researchers and experts, and the skills and knowledge you've gained in academia hold value in the industry.

・Government Agencies and Nonprofit Organizations: Opportunities to apply your research and expertise in fields outside of academia exist within government agencies and nonprofit organizations. These sectors often require specialists in various fields.

・Educational Institutions: Teaching at educational institutions other than academia is another possibility. You can consider positions at higher education institutions, community colleges, vocational schools, and more.

・Seek Career Transition Support: Utilizing career transition agencies and career counselors can provide valuable assistance in finding your next step that aligns with your skills and experiences.

・Prepare for Transition: Before making a career change, ensure your resume and curriculum vitae are up to date. Self-assessment is crucial to identify the most suitable career path. Strengthen your networking skills and build connections to discover new opportunities.

There are various ways to leverage your postdoc experience. When choosing a new career path, it's essential to explore options that align with your interests and skills and methodically proceed through the transition process.

10. Career Options for Non-Tenure Track Postdocs

While some non-tenure track postdocs naturally progress in their careers, if one cannot achieve the desired research publications during their postdoc period, it is advisable to consider alternative career paths outside of academia sooner rather than later.

Rather than persisting in a non-tenure track postdoc position for an extended period while waiting for opportunities, it's often more certain and financially stable to secure a tenure-track position like assistant professor at an earlier stage in one's career and work on progressing from there.

No matter how accomplished one may be as a non-tenure track postdoc, it's often impossible to secure a position that is already earmarked for internal promotion via external applications. While most assistant professor positions are typically term-limited, some universities do have a retirement-based system in place.

END

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Quantum Brain Chipset & Bio Processor (BioVLSI)

Prof. PhD. Dr. Kamuro

Quantum Physicist and Brain Scientist involved in Caltech & AERI Associate Professor and Brain Scientist in Artificial Evolution Research Institute（ AERI: https://www.aeri-japan.com/ ）

IEEE-USA Fellow

American Physical Society Fellow

PhD. & Dr. Kazuto Kamuro

AERI & Xyronix Corporation

HP: https://www.aeri-japan.com/　

HP: https://www.usaxyronix.com/

email: info@aeri-japan.com

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【Keywords】　Artificial Evolution Research Institute：AERI

HP： https://www.aeri-japan.com/

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