Why We Are Here: A Review of the Literature on Motivations for Postdoctoral Appointments

Abstract: This paper reviews the academic literature, government and professional association reports, and publicly available data to summarize what we know about who becomes a postdoc. As scientists become more likely to participate and persist in postdoctoral appointments, scientists and those who employ, fund, organize, and support them would like to better understand who becomes a postdoc and why. Although many of the most talented new PhDs become postdocs, there is concern that their talents are not fully utilized in these appointments. One way to approach the question of who becomes a postdoc is by examining individual characteristics like personal motivation, human capital, and demographics. Another approach considers the role of characteristics of the doctoral institution. This review considers both approaches to integrate our knowledge of individual and institutional determinants of postdoctoral study. Introduction