Academic employment and graduate enrollment trends of women scientists/engineers in eight scientific fields were studied, and the dynamics of their occupational choice and career stability were assessed. The eight fields were engineering, physical sciences, environmental sciences, medical sciences, psychology, and social sciences. The principal data sources were the National Science Foundation's "Survey of Scientific and Engineering Personnel Employed at Universities and Colleges" and the "Survey of Graduate Science Student Support and Postdoctorals." Data were also obtained from site visits from a representative sample of nine of the total 50 leading doctorate-granting institutions included in the study. It was found that women scientists/engineers are in a period of transition in their status in academe. Increasing numbers are entering graduate programs, and a large proportion are being employed in top-ranked institutions and departments. However, most women scientists/engineers are employed in nontenured, nonladder research scientist positions. Policy implications pertain to the funding of scientific research programs, educational programs in the sciences for women, and future research on the career development of women scientific professionals. (SW)