In China academics (at least ecologists) have a mandatory retirement
age of 60 for men (can be extended to 65 if you're actively advising
graduate students), and 55 for women. When I asked a female faculty
member about that in a visit to China 2 years ago, she seemed very
accepting of the idea that opportunities had to be opened for young
scientists.
My department is running a search for 2-3 new faculty members this
semester, and advertised an open-rank open-area opportunity. 650
applied (I reviewed 250 applications), and we're interviewing 6. One
is an ecologist. I know of a search for a theoretical ecology
position this spring at another university, and I think about 55
applied. I may put together an article about these searches later
this spring.
David Inouye
At 10:20 AM 2/9/2014, you wrote:
I've already received many, many replies in the first 48 hours
since I posted my request. I've heard from more people than I can
easily count--recent Ph.D.s, graduate students, even undergraduates
with difficult stories of hard work, perseverance, and increasing
despair that they will ever find work in the disciplines they've
trained for. I will do my best to respond to everyone who's
contacted me; if you haven't heard from me yet, it's only because
there are so many others who have also poured out their fears and
their frustrations. There are a great many people in our field who
have found their calling, earned their degree, and now can find no
way to support themselves--the invisible and disregarded of modern
academia. Because many of you have expressed concerns about
privacy, let me say that I won't share names, affiliations or any
other identifying details unless the individuals involved grant
their permission. If you or a friend have been hesitating out of
personal concerns, please know that I consider every contact a
confidence, and I don't intend to break that
trust.
- J. A.
John A. <omnipithe...@yahoo.com
