The Science and Engineering Postdoc Experience through the Lens of Liminality

摘要

The purpose of this study is to learn about the experiences of postdoctoral scholars (postdocs) in science and engineering fields. It is guided by the theory of liminality. Forty-two postdocs employed at a Mid-Atlantic, research-intensive University, participated in individual interviews to describe their experiences as postdocs at the University. This paper provides answers to the following three research questions: (1) What are the benefits and challenges of science and engineering postdoc positions? (2) What liminal experiences characterize the postdoc position? and (3) What recommendations to improve the postdoc experience emerge from this study?