Uncertainty remains despite increase in four-year vacancies: PNN calls for transparency

Since 2015, the PhD Network Netherlands (PNN) has published the Employment Conditions Monitor annually. Based on vacancies for PhD positions published on the vacancy website AcademicTransfer, an analysis of the employment conditions and circumstances of PhD candidates in the Netherlands can be made, despite persistent uncertainty about the exact number of PhD candidates. The 2019 Monitor, for example, revealed that 12.3% of employment contracts for PhD programs could be classified as "dubious." These were contracts for shorter periods, for example, than the four years (full-time) typically required to successfully complete a PhD program. The 2019 Employment Conditions Monitor has therefore caused quite a stir in the House of Representatives, among other places. The PNN hereby presents its analysis of the employment conditions and circumstances of PhD candidates in the 2020 Employment Conditions Monitor .

The number of vacancies for PhD positions is steadily increasing every year. Since 2019, there has even been a 27.4% increase in vacancies, particularly at technical universities and in the scientific and technical sectors. Furthermore, over 90% of employed PhD candidates have contracts for four years or more. This is more than in 2019, when over 81% of vacancies were for contracts of four years or more.

Despite this positive development, we still see a great deal of ambiguity in job descriptions. For example, in 3.4% of cases, the contract duration is not mentioned (6.8% in 2019). The job description is also not always explained. For example, only 26.2% of all job descriptions mention whether there are (mandatory) teaching duties during the PhD program. The scope of these duties often remains unmentioned: over 71% of job descriptions mentioning teaching duties do not provide any information on their scope. Furthermore, less than half of all job descriptions (45.8%) indicate whether there is a (formal) evaluation period, after which the PhD program will or will not be continued.

Even basic requirements are often not mentioned, or not mentioned in full, in job postings. In particular, maternity and parental leave (in 10% of vacancies), the 30% tax ruling for international employees (8%), and travel allowances (5.8%) are being neglected.

PhD candidates conduct a significant portion of scientific research at Dutch universities, university medical centers, and other research institutions. They also teach, translate their research findings into societal impact, and participate in participation bodies. The market is competitive, and only a third of them continue in academia. Moreover, our own and international research shows that PhD candidates often struggle with burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Furthermore, the vulnerable position of PhD candidates within the hierarchical academic system fosters transgressive behavior, such as discrimination, violations of scientific integrity, or sexual harassment. Nearly one in five PhD candidates experiences this, with far-reaching consequences for their social safety and mental health.

Good employment practices require transparency, first and foremost, regarding contract scope and duration, job responsibilities, and terms of employment. The PNN therefore urges institutions to always be clear and complete in their vacancy texts for PhD positions. To this end, the PNN has already created a vacancy checklist and shared it with institutions. While the PNN is pleased with the increase in the number of contracts for four years or longer, we continue to raise awareness and call for improvements to the terms of employment and working conditions of PhD candidates. This primarily requires reducing workload and ensuring social safety.