This analysis of the relation between graduate studies and work is based on participative observation and on the accounts of a group of doctoral candidates at a top school in the area of health sciences. Conducted using life history methodology, individual interviews (n=12) were recorded, transcribed in full, and subjected to content analysis. Findings showed that most of these doctoral candidates had doubts about their future on the market and were interested in working at a public university. Furthermore, because there are not enough permanent job positions in science in Brazil, the interviewees were considering job alternatives that involved either research institutions (doing post-doctoral work or collaborative research under fellowships) or temporary contracts (visiting professor at a public institution). The article discusses the relationship between these findings and changes observed in the field of science.
graduate studies; life history; work; education; science