The Post Doc

It is increasingly common for new doctorates in the sciences and social sciences to complete a postdoctoral fellowship after graduation. What is a postdoc? Many argue that post docs are exploited as a form of cheap labor. Others argue that it's a wonderful, free, learning opportunity that pays the bills (or at least some of them). The postdoc's lament is a sad song heard in labs all around the world. It usually includes some variation of the refrain "overworked, underpaid, under appreciated and possibly working on an artifact," as describe din this article from Nature. Is it true? You decide.