Thanks

I have my own ideas about most of these topics, but I’m curious what others think.

Yours seems like a complex case- and it is difficult for me to make comments without knowing a few specifics. I don’t understand what you mean by being out of work yet having a small grant simultaneously. Can this grant be moved? Is a TT position really what you want- there are many interesting careers that aren’t TT … (Check the ‘the alternative scientist’ blog on my blogroll! If you wish to tell me some specifics- you can send me an email at my contact address listed above and on the right- under the search box!

As an NSF predoctoral fellow in the life sciences, I climbed pretty high up the ladder at a soft-money research institute. It was crazy trying to balance a toddler, two pregnancies and a new baby with what has been called an “extreme” career as a laboratory head. However, I did contribute a number of significant, recognized papers to my field.

As an independent investigator I earned four research grants (2 federal and 2 private) over the course of ten years. I was awarded a five year R01 just after having my second and last baby (at age 42–don’t think it is easy–I was just lucky)! I was an Associate level researcher before my lab was shut down because my R01 wasn’t renewed after two tries. During this time I had two sons and a miscarriage. This contributed to a “productivity problem” that grant reviewers have been eager to point out as a reason not to renew my grant (we all know there doesn’t need to be much of a reason to deny a grant these days). I published three papers on a single R01 grant as my only source of funding, with only one post doc in the lab. Two more papers nearly ready to submit. Well, at least you can say I was efficient?

Now what? I have been out of work for nearly a year. I have some well-recognized publications and the colleagues I have contacted stated they regard my work highly and are really sorry that I am no longer engaged in my research.

I do want to return to my former career trajectory and become a full professor in 5-7 years time, but with certain modifications. I believe that I will need about three years to regain my publication “quantity”: my publication “quality” is excellent. I currently have a small grant, with funds I can make last for 2-3 more years. I can probably get work as a “research track” faculty member (i.e. superpost-doc) in someone else’s lab. I’m not currently competitive for a faculty position because I am a 50 yr old woman and it seems that most places would prefer a younger, “hotter” new investigator. Is it a good idea to take a downward step for a few years while my youngest (age still needs Mom a lot? If so, can I get back on track…ever?

Any advice would be tremendously appreciated!