Promote careers in science by establishing minimum pay scales for young, underpaid scientists.

Scientific progress is critical to bolstering our nation's economy and innovative spirit. But young scientists often earn very low wages for years, until securing professional positions in their 30's. These low wages persuade many bright young minds to abandon careers in scientific research for better-paying fields. In order to address the problem of talent retention in science, we petition the Administration and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a fair minimum pay schedule for junior researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in laboratories receiving federal funding. Under this system, the NSF would establish target pay rates for funding recipients, and supplement pay in order to meet the minimum requirements.