Declining opportunities for young researchers at universities and proposals to improve the situation are discussed. Concerns related to opportunities for young researchers include: (1) the leveling-off of student enrollments at universities; (2) the fact that tenure limits faculty turnover; (3) possible effects on research if the age distribution of investigators shifts substantially; (4) the potential effect on the eventual quality of university faculty of limited opportunities; (5) the possibility of insufficient employment opportunities for recent Ph.D.s; (6) access to research funds for young investigators; and (7) the declining proportion of young investigators compared to older investigators. Alternative methods to maintain or improve the nation's research and teaching efforts through greater use of young investigators include: a Young Investigators Postdoctoral Program; a Research Assistant Professorship Program; Research Initiation Grants; and Institutional Support Program. For each proposed program, assumptions, expected outcomes, and strengths and weaknesses are discussed. Indirect approaches to the problem include early retirement, leaves of absence, and part-time employment. Data collected from universities by the National Science Foundation form the basis for the analysis. (SW)