There are problems with the way we conduct research; we rely too much on low-paid and precarious graduate research assistants and not enough on professional res

There are problems with the way we conduct research; we rely too much on low-paid and precarious graduate research assistants and not enough on professional research scientists. However, parts of the (ideal) PhD experience are invaluable. For example: having vast stretches of distraction-free time to read, learn, and explore ideas; having your supervisor shield you completely from administrative bullshit. I don’t know how to fix our research system, but whatever we do, we must protect the good in the current system.