New SoFoKles Podcast: The Future of Early-Career Researchers in Academia

A new episode of the SoFoKles podcast explores the challenges faced by early-career researchers in the academic job market. With funding cuts, job insecurity, and increasing competition , is a long-term career in academia still viable?

PNN Chair Bente van Wanrooij shares her insights on the difficult choices PhD candidates face. Many struggle with short-term contracts, heavy workloads, and the uncertainty of securing a permanent position. With 50% of PhDs leaving academia immediately—and 70% eventually moving on—what needs to change to keep talent in research?

Key topics discussed:

• The challenges of building a career in academia

• The growing impact of job insecurity on young researchers

• The importance of work-life balance and mental health

• Structural changes needed to retain top research talent

• How academia can become a more sustainable and inclusive career choice

Listen to the full discussion here .