Demand for biologists in disciplines represented by member societies of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), especially at the postdoctoral training/research associate level, shows strong indications of exceeding the supply significantly. A combination of increasing numbers of positions and decreasing output from universities appears to be at work here; growth in size and number of biotechnology companies and decline in numbers of appropriate age groups which actually started three decades ago—when baby boom births peaked—are reported everywhere.
The basis for these statements is experience at the FASEB placement service, which operates year-round and is particularly prominent at annual meetings such as this week’s in Las Vegas. The purpose of the service is to match candidates seeking post-doctoral training or permanent positions with recruiting employers from academe, government, and industry. Most candidates possess a doctoral degree or expect to receive one soon; however, individuals with master’s or baccalaureate ...
