Related Posts
How's it like at Anomaly?
How do I consistently make my girl finish
Thursday sub. Be cool fam.

Additional Posts in Science & Research
Any thoughts on Laronde?
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.



It certainly feels like that. I've sent well over 500 applications and I've been out of work for 18 months with a PhD. This administration has kneecapped STEM so hard.
I’d encourage you to take a serious look at the contract position. I’m working as a contract study lead now (FSP model), and the setup has been far more stable and balanced than I anticipated. Being placed with a strong company has made the benefits outweigh any perceived risks.
After redundancy at 60 I’m finding that STEM has moved-on a long way since my doctorate. I know that my skills are transferrable, but job listings ask for numerous must-haves that I just don’t have. I’m a polymer physical chemist; I don’t have experience of medical communications, pharmacology, AI, renewable energy, injection-moulding, insecticides or ecology. I’m sure I could successfully manage a team that does have these skills, but I don’t have the ticks-in-boxes to get me through the door. Previous employers have appreciated my range of skills but never wanted to pay for me to go on external accredited courses. I should have pushed harder or walked sooner! But I'm determined to secure the next step on my career journey!
I know how you feel (except I lack an advanced degree).
Ran a lab for 30 years and got downsized in my 60 also.
Only difference is I am looking for the last step on my career path because I doubt there will be another step after this next one.
Advice to young people: Don't get old.
Biggest mistake I ever made.
Truth! I honestly thought I'd have a job within 2 weeks (the longest I ever went unemployed) (and I only ever had 2 jobs in my entire 60-something years!) (ran my own business after High School for 15 years & then was a Chemist in charge of a lab for 30).
I looked at a 6 month contract position & may have gotten it, but I told them the truth about how I felt; that I was glad it was only 6 months 'cuz I was so overqualified but needed income so it worked for me.
I'm back making websites for churches and porn merchants (only folk who'll hire a self-taught person - but what a resume!) (proves I can work with anyone!).
Point is; have backup skills and plans. You will need them one day. Point of interest: Porn folk are the best people I ever worked for in my life! FAR better than corporate stuffed shirts. And they are better pay than churches or labs!!
Ran out of characters. I should also add that many temp contract jobs go permanent. My lab job was a 6 month temp position that stretched out to 30 years!
The job market an absolute train wreck for STEM, especially if you don't have a PhD.