ABSTRACT
What is the most fundamental obstacle to progressing a career in science? It is that faced by an early-career researcher in getting that secure rung on the career ladder. It is the permanent post that becomes the be-all and end-all need that enables a postdoctoral researcher to lead an independent scientific life, meaning they can not only have ideas but can also secure funds for the staff, equipment, consumables, etc. needed to take those ideas forward.
