The landscape of postdoctoral research in India: opportunities, challenges, and recommendations

The landscape of postdoctoral research in India is characterized by both opportunities and challenges. Over time, significant evolution has been witnessed, supported by diverse funding agencies and academic institutions. However, postdoctoral fellows face various hurdles, including limited fellowship durations, administrative obstacles, and uncertainties in the job market. To gain comprehensive insights into these experiences, a nationwide survey was conducted by the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS), gathering responses from 189 postdoctoral researchers. The survey illuminated the motivations, aspirations, and concerns of postdoctoral fellows in India. While many respondents pursue postdoctoral positions to gain research experience and enhance their skill sets, they encounter challenges in accessing state-of-the-art facilities and securing job opportunities post-training. Moreover, preferences for postdoctoral destinations and funding agencies underscore the need for increased awareness and streamlined application processes. Emphasizing job security, research skills development, and career advancement, the survey highlights the priorities and expectations of postdoctoral researchers. In response to these findings, a set of recommendations is proposed to address existing challenges and enhance the postdoctoral experience in India. These include increasing fellowship numbers and durations, fostering inter-institutional collaborations, minimizing biases in recruitment, and supporting career development, particularly for women researchers. Implementation of these recommendations can contribute to building a more robust and supportive research ecosystem, promoting talent growth and retention within the country. This endeavor aims to contribute to ongoing discussions regarding the enhancement of the postdoctoral experience and the advancement of research endeavors in India.