Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changing landscape of employment opportunities for PhD graduates in China, highlighting the increasing age limits for civil service exams and the challenges faced by older PhD candidates in securing academic positions due to stringent age requirements [4][5][8]. Group 1: Age Limit Changes - The civil service exam has raised the age limit to 38 years, allowing recent master's and doctoral graduates to apply up to 43 years old, reflecting a trend of PhDs moving into non-academic roles [4]. - Many universities still impose strict age limits for academic positions, often requiring candidates to be under 35 years old, which contrasts with the civil service's more flexible approach [5][8]. Group 2: Employment Trends for PhDs - Over half of PhD graduates are now seeking employment outside of academia, as the academic job market becomes increasingly saturated [4][5]. - The average age of PhD graduates has risen, with many completing their degrees in their mid-30s, making it difficult for them to meet the age criteria for academic positions [8][9]. Group 3: Funding and Competition - The competition for funding, such as the Youth Science Fund, has intensified, with approval rates dropping to 15.54% in 2024, despite a significant increase in applications [10][12]. - The number of applications for the Youth Science Fund has surged from over 60,000 in 2015 to nearly 150,000 in 2024, indicating a growing pool of candidates [10][12]. Group 4: Academic Employment Challenges - The "non-promotion, non-renewal" policy in universities pressures young faculty to produce results quickly, which disproportionately affects older PhD candidates who may have less time to establish their academic careers [14][15]. - The perception of PhDs as "overqualified" for non-academic roles complicates their job search, as many employers prioritize practical skills over academic credentials [20][21]. Group 5: Future Directions - There is a call for universities to adopt more flexible hiring practices that consider diverse career paths and experiences rather than strictly adhering to age limits [15][16]. - The emphasis on professional doctoral programs is increasing, aiming to better prepare graduates for non-academic careers and address the mismatch between academic training and job market demands [20][21].

Group 1 - The core issue highlighted is the declining success rate of the National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) grants, which has dropped to 12.29% this year from 13% last year, marking a continuous decline for five years [2][4] - The "non-promotion, non-resignation" policy in universities has intensified competition among young researchers, making it crucial for them to secure funding before the age of 35 to ensure career progression [2][4] - The number of applicants for the Youth Science Fund (YSF) has surged, leading to increased difficulty in securing grants, with the success rate for YSF dropping from 25.20% in 2013 to 17.23% in 2022 [4][5] Group 2 - The NSFC has various funding categories, with the YSF being particularly important for young researchers as it serves as their "first pot of gold," influencing their future funding applications and career advancement [3][4] - The number of applicants for the NSFC's general projects has increased significantly, with a 48.77% rise in applicants for 2024, reaching 178,000 [5] - The NSFC is implementing new measures to support young researchers, including the establishment of the Innovation Research Group B project aimed at funding teams of researchers under 40 [8] Group 3 - Recent reforms in the evaluation and promotion systems in universities aim to create a more humane mechanism, transitioning from "non-promotion, non-resignation" to a more flexible approach [6][7] - The Ministry of Education has emphasized the need for a supportive environment for young researchers, allowing for trial and error and fostering a culture of innovation [7][8] - The NSFC is also focusing on nurturing a high-level talent pool by providing funding for outstanding undergraduate and doctoral students, thereby strengthening the foundation for future research [8]