3 answers
Ray
Student
Manalapan Township, NJ
19
Questions
Asked
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How stable is a job in research psychology?
Meaning, is it like an art career where I am no longer employed after a project ends? If it matters, I am most interested in pursuing a career in the developmental and abnormal fields.
#psychology #research
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3 answers
Nadina P
Editor
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nadina’s Answer
Hi Ray,
I was a psychology editor for many years, so I'm pretty close to that community. Many researchers are educators; when their research ends, then it's possible that it will be a while before they get funding to do something else for quite a while. This is especially true in varying economies. I wouldn't say this is unstable, though; most psychology researchers are employed full- or part-time with a higher education institution, which means that they still have work to do outside of research. If they are clinical, many have full- or part-time work in private settings, hospitals, and other places. So, their research doesn't look the same year-to-year, but most have some sort of stability to back them.
I was a psychology editor for many years, so I'm pretty close to that community. Many researchers are educators; when their research ends, then it's possible that it will be a while before they get funding to do something else for quite a while. This is especially true in varying economies. I wouldn't say this is unstable, though; most psychology researchers are employed full- or part-time with a higher education institution, which means that they still have work to do outside of research. If they are clinical, many have full- or part-time work in private settings, hospitals, and other places. So, their research doesn't look the same year-to-year, but most have some sort of stability to back them.
Such a relief to know- thank you!
Ray
Grigoriy Nudel
Laboratory Manager, Chemist
1
Answer
Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Updated
Grigoriy’s Answer
From my experience any job in research field is not very stable because it depends from external financing
Sarah Sami
MD/Regulatory Affairs
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Ray,
Though my experience is limited in the field of psychology , I would be inclined to think that like most research related positions (though it is certainly an excellent route to take while in the process of building your CV and career); however research related jobs mostly depend on grants and funding and a lot of times can be short term depending on what your position is .My suggestion would be , if you plan to pursue a position in this field ,start thinking a couple steps ahead as to
1.) Is the position in line with your long term goals?
2.) What kind of position is it and what will be your next step once it ends?
3.) If you plan to pursue a career in psychology , definitely think about the educational timeline from undergrad (depending on your present education level) as well as applying for a masters program in the near future.
4.) Start a little notebook with contacts in your field of choice along the way.Never know who may be a good mentor or reference some day.
Hope this helps :)
Though my experience is limited in the field of psychology , I would be inclined to think that like most research related positions (though it is certainly an excellent route to take while in the process of building your CV and career); however research related jobs mostly depend on grants and funding and a lot of times can be short term depending on what your position is .My suggestion would be , if you plan to pursue a position in this field ,start thinking a couple steps ahead as to
1.) Is the position in line with your long term goals?
2.) What kind of position is it and what will be your next step once it ends?
3.) If you plan to pursue a career in psychology , definitely think about the educational timeline from undergrad (depending on your present education level) as well as applying for a masters program in the near future.
4.) Start a little notebook with contacts in your field of choice along the way.Never know who may be a good mentor or reference some day.
Hope this helps :)