Postdocs in US (What's the effect of the recession?)

[rsq_a]

I'll be seeking a postdoc position in the US next year (likely to begin in 2011) in Applied Maths. I'm currently in Britain (Canadian citizenship), and I'm curious what effect has the recession had (and will have) on the number of postdoc offerings.

I was over in the US for a conference last month and had a few chats with people there who mentioned that the recession did have a fairly strong impact on the number of faculty and postdoc positions. Will this pick up in a year?

I can't imagine it would be hard for me to find a postdoc in Britain (or Canada), just by virtue of my background and connections. The US is a bit of a wildcard.

 

[physics girl phd]

Most US national labs are getting pretty sizable amounts of stimulus money. This might help the post-doc situation some (if you can get clearance, and I think you could)... since I'd imagine those funds will have trickle-down effects. Those funds might be used before you're looking (unfortunately), but how this plays out over the next year or so will be interesting to see (will the stimulus money be used as one-time funds to cover budget shortfalls, or will it actually do its inteended purpose... stimulating the economy and providing for lasting economic "windfall" or even stability?).

 

[charng]

I can understand your concerns about the impact of the recession on postdoc positions in the US. The recession did have a significant effect on the number of available positions in the past few years, as many universities and research institutions faced budget cuts and reduced hiring. However, as the economy continues to recover, we are seeing a gradual increase in the number of postdoc offerings in the US.

While it is difficult to predict the exact situation for next year, it is likely that there will be more postdoc positions available in 2011 compared to the previous few years. This is due to several factors, such as the stabilizing economy, increased funding for research and development, and the need for highly skilled researchers in various fields.

It is also worth noting that the US has always been a popular destination for postdocs due to its strong research infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration. Therefore, I believe that you will have a good chance of finding a postdoc position in the US, especially with your background and connections.

However, I would also recommend exploring opportunities in other countries, such as Canada, as you mentioned. It is always beneficial to have a diverse experience and exposure to different research environments. Additionally, keep an eye on various funding opportunities and networking events to increase your chances of finding a suitable postdoc position in the US or any other country.

Overall, while the recession did impact the number of postdoc positions in the US, I am optimistic that the situation will continue to improve in the coming years. I wish you all the best in your search for a postdoc position in the US and hope that you find a fulfilling and rewarding research experience.