. "Appendix B: Analysis of Quantitative Data on Postdocs." Enhancing the Postdoctoral Experience for Scientists and Engineers: A Guide for Postdoctoral Scholars, Advisers, Institutions, Funding Organizations, and Disciplinary Societies. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2000.
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ENHANCING THE POSTDOCTORAL EXPERIENCE FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS: A Guide for Postdoctoral Scholars, Advisers, Institutions, Funding Organizations, and Disciplinary Societies
TABLE B-18: Number of Postdoctoral Appointments in Selective Survey Years, 1981-1997
Academic Postdoctoral Positions
1981
1985
1989
1993
1997
Life Sciences
5,257
5,294
6,909
7,720
11,253
Engineering
192
187
607
919
1,671
Physics and Astronomy
716
781
1,019
1,635
1,541
Chemistry
1,258
1,235
1,562
1,806
1,621
Social and Behavioral Sciences
894
1,090
1,148
588
2,069
Industrial Postdoctoral Positions
1981
1985
1989
1993
1997
Life Sciences
100
193
217
404
655
Engineering
NA
NA
169
198
140
Physics and Astronomy
55
115
57
79
54
Chemistry
NA
70
NA
240
307
Social and Behavioral Sciences
NA
80
NA
50
465
Governmental Postdoctoral Positions
1981
1985
1989
1993
1997
Life Sciences
332
502
583
1,524
1,594
Engineering
NA
144
NA
144
384
Physics and Astronomy
62
NA
82
150
468
Chemistry
26
59
82
173
217
Social and Behavioral Sciences
88
NA
NA
181
313
Source: 1981, 1985, 1989, 1993, and 1997 Survey of Doctorate Recipients
Note: NA = insufficient data to provide reliable information.
