A new career path for postdocs needed?

Does scientific research in the life sciences need a new career structure? Jennifer Rohn, my former lab mate, has written an interesting Editorial in Nature, in which she (rightly) bemoans the lack of opportunity for mature postdocs. Postdocs are the engines of scienctific research but with increasing experience run out of employment options: Fellowships are often applicable only to young researchers and lab-head positions are few and far between (and not suited to all!). Thus, Jennifer proposes to professionalize the postdoc role and turn it into a career rather than simply a stepping stone. Very thought provoking!

Read Jennifer's full Editorial here