Characterizing a Successful Postdoc Journey

Project Summary

Postdoctoral research plays a critical role in shaping academic career trajectories, yet the factors that influence long-term retention and faculty success remain an area of active investigation. Prior research suggests that publishing high-impact papers during the postdoctoral period can significantly improve the likelihood of securing a faculty position. Additionally, shifts in research focus between the Ph.D. and postdoctoral phases, as well as international mobility, have been linked to varying career outcomes. Understanding how these factors interact with publication and citation patterns provides valuable insights into the structural and strategic elements that shape academic advancement. This project examines large-scale publication and career data to identify key trends and inform policies that support early-career researchers in academia.