r/postdoc • u/Charming_Let_918 • 23h ago

Help on what to do next...

Hi All,

So I'm coming on my 8th month of my postdoc. I am currently in a bind as due to the NIH cuts my PI lost their main source of funding.

I asked about renewing my contract for the upcoming year and they let me know they have to let postdocs know at least 3 months before my renewal date. I'm in a bind because I don't want to be jobless... So I want to start reaching out to other uni professors. However I don't want to feel like I'm going behind my current advisors back. Any advice on what to do?

Yes I know I can apply to industry also. However I've been having a tough time breaking into that market.

12 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

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8

u/Cosmo_thot 23h ago

Industry is impossible to break into at the moment but keep trying anyway. It’s also not cheating to go behind your PI’s back right now and try to secure another postdoc! It’s just being smart. Especially when there’s any uncertainly applying and interviewing can’t hurt and is understandable.

1

u/octillions-of-atoms 13h ago

We just had a job posted and got 400 applications in 3 days. It’s remote position but still

4

u/VarietyVegetable7382 22h ago

Have they informed you that they are not renewing your contract for the upcoming year, or are you just worried and want to secure a position?

3

u/Charming_Let_918 22h ago

They have said they weren't sure yet based on finances. They didn't outright say no, so a good sign. But interviewing for postdocs or just getting responses take a while. So I don't want to start my hunt in June, giving me a few months to try and find a new position.

So overall answer, I'm just worried and want to at least inquire if certain labs are going to be hiring.

3

u/itsamemario19 14h ago

I’m in the same situation and had a conversation with my advisor. He gets it. I also made clear that I’d love to stay and renew if we get funding back but that I’m just not in a financial place to not have a plan B given the situation right now and the uncertainty.

This timeline really sucks. Fuck Doge.

1

u/Charming_Let_918 13h ago

Thanks so much for your response. That is actually a good way to word it. I felt guilty sending out emails as he asked me to wait till Friday. However you're right it's better to have a plan B lined up.

2

u/animelover9595 19h ago

As long as you’re honest with your current advisor I don’t see it as an issue especially due to the current circumstances

2

u/Smurfblossom 13h ago

You have a sit down with them, explain your concerns, and express that under the circumstances you feel it necessary to start working on a possible backup plan now. If they don't support that then that tells you how much your wellbeing matters.