The University of Cambridge Careers Service recently published findings on their survey of postdocs that had completed their contracts between 2019 and 2024. Some of the highlights are below.
What were their first positions following their postdoc at Cambridge?
- Total respondents with first position in academia: 64%
- Respondents in academia with a permanent position: 41%
- Respondents in academia in another postdoc: 39%
In addition, predictors were identified that showed a significant correlation between continuing in academia and:
- being internationally mobile
- working within the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or the Physical Sciences
- and having held two postdoctoral positions at Cambridge
What careers did they move into, following academia?
- Research in finance, business, or industry: 18%
- Research for charitable or not-for-profit organisations: 4%
- Professional services and administration: 7%
The full report includes responses from interviews where we hear about motivations for their decisions, advice from postdocs, and employer perspectives.
Read the full report on the Careers Service website (near the bottom of the page).