Postdocs, unite! Join our association

Postdoctoral researchers worldwide grapple with several challenges, such as limited job security, unclear career paths and social isolation. These issues result in dissatisfaction and high turnover rates. Unfortunately, the UCPH is no exception, as echoed by recent critiques from postdocs like Mads Ejsing, who has described the uncertainty and frustrations that many researchers face at this career stage.

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Specific data on postdoc working conditions at UCPH remains scarce. But the existence of many faculty- and center-specific associations for postdocs illustrates a need for support and representation. For instance, the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (SUND) has at least four postdoc bodies, all in place to connect and support postdocs within their respective departments.

While these associations help postdocs within their faculties or centres, the lack of a unified, university-wide organization has left postdocs without a collective voice in broader institutional matters, limiting their community to their department. Recognizing this gap, the University of Copenhagen Association for Postdocs and PhD Students (UCAPS) took a significant step in 2024 by expanding its scope to include all postdoctoral researchers across all faculties, offering postdocs a cohesive platform for advocacy, community and mentorship.

Together, we gain impact

Faculty-level associations tend to focus more on networking, career development, and social events, often lacking the capacity to drive systemic changes in pressing matters like job insecurity and the lack of clear career paths, as Mads Ejsing expressed.

With a unified voice at the university level, postdocs gain a seat at the table

However, a university-wide group like UCAPS prevents postdoc concerns from being siloed within individual departments or faculties. It ensures that all postdocs, regardless of their department, receive equitable support.

With a unified voice at the university level, postdocs gain a seat at the table for broader decision-making processes, like at the UCPH Senate. This makes it easier to advocate for tangible improvements, such as better contracts, clearer career pathways, and enhanced working conditions.

We are many, yet isolated

Moreover, UCAPS unlocks access to collaborations across UCPH that smaller, department-specific associations might not offer. It is even more essential for postdocs in small departments where there is no local association. Such connections build a much-needed sense of community in an environment with a high turnover like academia.

Postdocs arrive at UCPH throughout the year from all over the world, making internationals occupy up to 73 percent of the postdoc positions in 2024. Unlike PhD Students who start a PhD program with a formal introduction and structure, postdoc experiences vary by department and research group. When there is no structured welcome for new postdocs, it can often feel isolating. Adjusting to a new country, increased work pressure, and temporary contracts make it harder to find friends and community at this career stage.

Only UCAPS connects postdocs inside the university across departments and disciplines. It is a fun community where postdocs can mingle with their peers and serve as mentors to PhD Students.

Meetups without pressure

UCAPS organizes various networking events such as PhD Café, Friday Bar, Stand-up Comedy Evenings, and Movie Nights. These casual setups provide a platform for PhDs and Postdocs to interact without any pressure and anxiety.

PhDs are increasingly overwhelmed by imposter syndrome, feeling underqualified and isolated. Here, postdocs get an opportunity to reflect on their journey and give practical advice on stress management, communication with supervisors, and publication pressure.

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Postdocs can get first-hand experience of mentoring PhDs that would better prepare them for an academic career. Additionally, these interactions can foster collaborations between different faculties. We believe that every step in supporting PhDs and postdocs can substantially decrease academic turnover.

A critical gap to be filled

The disappointment expressed by postdocs like Mads Ejsing underscore the urgency of collective representation. Postdocs’ inclusion in UCAPS fills a critical gap by providing a unified platform to address challenges on a university-wide scale.

This collective representation is essential for driving meaningful changes, from improving working conditions to creating a community, ultimately enhancing the wellbeing of postdocs.