Scientific community. Soft money's hard realities.
"Second-class citizen" is how researchers on soft money, who have to raise their salaries from grants, describe their position--even those who like their jobs. It can be fraught with financial insecurity, disrespect, and poor facilities--as well as some advantages, such as freedom from administrative duties. Those who have done it say that success requires a strong will, an accommodating department, friends in high places, and money in the bank as a cushion--not to mention emotional security and a tough skin.
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D002322:Career Mobility; D005178:Faculty; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D012108:Research Personnel; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits