Thread by @ProfAntIsles

This is something I have experienced recently too, having had to advertise the same post-doc position FIVE times, and interview candidates on FOUR separate occasions
Here are my thoughts about this in a brief🧵1/n

https://twitter.com/Nature/status/1564757194679123974

I feel a big factor here is that #COVID19 & all the associated problems it caused for lab scientists has laid bare the precarious nature & short-termism of being a #PostDoc to #PhD students coming through the system & many have just decided "this is not for me"
2/n

The number of applicants was way down each time I advertised the #PostDoc position (and no where near the 36 that @Mad_Lancaster received!!)
3/n

Moreover, those that did initially accept the offer of the #PostDoc were able to turn it down if a better (longer-term, different career path etc) position came along in the meantime as they were in high-demand
4/n

As a UK researcher, it the impact of #BREXIT was also noticeable. All 5 times I advertised this #PostDoc position I got applicants from the UK and from overseas, but NONE from #EU countries.
5/n

Whether this is because of the potential hassle involved in coming to work in the UK and / or the atmosphere #BREXIT has fostered (imaginary or real), I don't know. But it is a real shame 🫤
6/n

The solution is probably quite simple - value #PostDocs and other #ECRs more, in all the ways outlined in the article. But whether there is the collective will (and money) to do so, I am not sure...
7/7
nature.com/articles/d4158…