In this episode, Jim and Lauren give some context into why the job market is tough right now and advice for how to navigate a job search in these difficult times. We hope you enjoy listening. 

The current uncertainty in many things (tariffs, funding, etc) makes it hard for organizations to plan and therefore hire. This is impacting all sectors - industry, academia, non-profits, and government  

It is hard for companies to raise money right now and this is one reason why there are so many layoffs and reorganizations happening.  Due to fundraising challenges, companies want to hold onto their cash to help extend their runway. Many types of organizations specially early stage research companies have been heavily impacted by funding challenges.   

The new administration is cutting and freezing funding, such as NIH and NSF grants and also freezing contracts including those at universities.  This is impacting many academic institutions and their labs as well as companies and non-profits. Many organizations have laid of talent due to these cuts.  

Funding cuts, reduction in workforce at the FDA, and tariffs are impacting clinical trials. Some clinical trials have had to shut down.  This impacts people working on the trials and also causes more uncertainty in the life sciences sector. More uncertainly increases investment risk.

Tariffs are impacting research since raw materials, reagents and other supplies are more expensive. These will impact the amount of money that can be invested in research and the overall amount of research that can happen.  

To navigate a search in this difficult time… be more open to types of roles you consider, as well as titles and even types of organizations you will consider working for

Scientists are resilient and often comfortable with ambiguity, lean into this, even though we know this is tough to do right now.

Normalize that this is a challenging time

Find a thing(s) to do, so that you are not job searching all day every day… otherwise, you will burn out

Try to have a positive attitude or at least try to see the positive in things you are going through. Positivity will help you as you endure the current situation

Remember, this current situation will not be permanent… Things will change, we just don’t know how long it will take and how much we will be able to come back… 

Lauren Celano, CEO of Propel Careers and Jim Gould, the Director for Postdoctoral Affairs at Harvard Medical School, launched this podcast as a way for us to share our advice, insights, and reflections to help others navigate their careers.

As we develop new episodes, this podcast will provide insights regarding career advice to help listeners navigate career choices and become more confident in their decisions. We look forward to busting myths and providing real life, timely, and accurate advice. Jim and Lauren work heavily with Ph.D. trained scientists, but the advice we provide can be applicable to other audiences. We hope you enjoy listening!