Career Path Diversity for Research Infrastructure Staff in Sweden Needed

Staff scientists, research engineers, and knowledge professionals play a crucial role in scientific discovery, yet their career paths are often unclear and lacking in diversity. A recent survey conducted by the University of Gothenburg found that staff at SciLifeLab, a large national research infrastructure in Sweden, reported a strong need for clarity and communication about planning and implementation of career path structures at Swedish universities. The lack of recognition of expertise presents a barrier to a sustainable career, and there is a need to advocate for increased diversity in career paths.

Key Takeaways:

• A survey of staff at SciLifeLab, a large national research infrastructure in Sweden, found that there is a strong need for clarity and communication about planning and implementation of career path structures at Swedish universities.
• The lack of recognition of expertise presents a barrier to a sustainable career for staff scientists, research engineers, and knowledge professionals.
• A workshop with infrastructure staff in 2024 indicated that there is a need to foster excellence in infrastructure staff, despite Sweden being ranked as a stable and attractive place to work.
• The survey and workshop results indicate that universities in Sweden need to develop clear and diverse career paths for staff scientists and other knowledge professionals.
• The study emphasizes the importance of a sustainable career for staff scientists, research engineers, and knowledge professionals, who contribute significantly to scientific discovery.

Statistics:

• 2019 survey of SciLifeLab staff recommended universities to develop career paths for their staff scientists.
• 2024 survey and workshop indicated a strong need for clarity and communication about planning and implementation of career path structures at Swedish universities.
• 75% of workshop participants reported continuous development of their technical and service skills.
• 80% of workshop participants ranked Sweden as a stable and attractive place to work.

Sources:

• F1000Research, 2025;14:652 (From Recruitment to Retirement: Research Infrastructure Staff Views on the Diversification of Scientific Career Paths at Universities in Sweden in 2024).
• NewsRx. Recent Findings from University of Gothenburg Advance Knowledge in Life Sciences (From Recruitment to Retirement: Research Infrastructure Staff Views on the Diversification of Scientific Career Paths at Universities in Sweden in 2024). Life Science Weekly. September 16, 2025; p 3772.