In addition to terrible compensation, I think another common issue for a post-doc is that they are not afforded the same protections as a graduate student. In t

In addition to terrible compensation, I think another common issue for a post-doc is that they are not afforded the same protections as a graduate student. In the places I have worked the grad students are usually protected by the university, their committees, etc. Post-docs on the other hand are usually contract workers and they can be fired without any recourse. Usually with two to four weeks compensation. It gives their bosses tremendous power. I know post-docs who have been fired for questioning a PI or a paper they are part of. This can be devastating for a post-doc and their future career. They may have toiled years on a project and can have it taken away on a dime.