Professional PhD Program

The Professional PhD Program (PPP) is an initiative of the PhD Candidates Network of the Netherlands (PNN) aimed at improving the transition of PhD candidates in the Netherlands to careers outside academia. While the current PhD track mainly prepares candidates for academic careers, in reality, around 70% of PhD graduates pursue careers beyond academia, for example in the public sector or industry.

Through the PPP, PhD candidates are given the opportunity to spend several months at an external organization, working on a project proposed by that organization. The PPP was originally launched with funding from the Sociaal Fonds voor de KennisSector (SoFoKleS).

Duration and workload

Participation in the PPP typically lasts 3 to 6 months. The project can be part-time (as little as 0.2 FTE) or full-time (up to 1.0 FTE, combined with unpaid leave from the university). The temporary employer covers only the salary component of the candidate’s costs, in line with the relevant collective labor agreement (CAO NU/UMC/OI). PNN does not intervene in the employment arrangements; its role is limited to facilitating applications and contacts.

After completing the project, the PhD candidate returns to the university to continue and finish the dissertation.

Why the PPP?

With the PPP, PNN highlights the value that PhD candidates bring outside academia and fosters stronger collaboration between universities and industry.

• Organizations benefit from highly skilled researchers with strong analytical abilities, specialist expertise, and a proven capacity for hard work.
• PhD candidates gain valuable professional experience, learn to apply their transferable skills (e.g. project management, presenting), and build a network outside academia, while exploring career opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

(1) Who can apply?

The PPP is open to PhD candidates at Dutch universities, research institutes, or university medical centers who want to gain work experience during their PhD.

• Vacancies are mainly targeted at employed PhD candidates (medewerkerpromovendi), but externally funded PhDs (buitenpromovendi) are also encouraged to apply.
• The program is open to both Dutch and international PhDs.
• Language requirements (Dutch/English) and specific skills depend on the vacancy.
• The PPP must be completed during the PhD track.

(2) How is the appointment arranged?

The employment contract is between the PhD candidate and the company.

• PNN facilitates vacancies, forwards applications, and evaluates the PPP but is not a contractual party.
• Candidates must seek approval from their supervisor(s) and adjust their university contract.
• This may involve reducing FTE, taking unpaid leave, or extending the PhD contract.
• In some cases, approval from the funding body is also required.

(3) Will I be paid?

Yes. The host organization pays the PhD candidate according to the PhD salary scale of the applicable CAO. In principle, this means the salary remains unchanged during the PPP, though details may vary depending on the arrangement with the university.

(4) What is expected of me?

The vacancies are project-based. The PhD candidate works with the host organization to define a project plan with clear tasks.

• Supervision and feedback are provided by the organization.
• Candidates are treated as regular employees during the program.

(5) What kind of vacancies are available?

Vacancies are offered by a wide range of organizations. Past examples include:

• Dutch ministries (Economic Affairs; Education, Culture & Science),
• NWO,
• The Council for Social Development (RMO),
• Rabobank,
• The University of Amsterdam.

Vacancies are published on the PPP vacancy website and distributed via Academic Transfer. A recurring opportunity is a temporary position as policy officer at NWO-SGW.

(6) Can I approach a company myself?

Yes. PhD candidates may approach organizations directly and suggest a PPP-style arrangement. In such cases, the PNN brochure can be shared with the organization. PNN can provide additional information and advice.

(7) Is the PPP legally allowed?

Yes. Under Dutch law (Article 7.668a, Burgerlijk Wetboek), exceptions to the two-year maximum employment period can be made if the contract serves an educational purpose and if extension is necessary to complete training. In the CAO, a PhD appointment is classified as educational. This means a PhD contract may be extended for dissertation completion without leading to a permanent contract, provided the extension is solely for educational purposes.

(8) How does the application process work?

The PPP follows six steps:

1. A company provides a vacancy, which is published by PNN.
2. Candidates apply with a motivation letter and CV to PNN.
3. Suitable candidates are forwarded to the company.
4. The company selects a candidate after an interview.
5. A contract is signed between the PhD candidate and the company, and the project starts.
6. PNN maintains contact during the placement and conducts a final evaluation.

Testimonials

“The Professional PhD Program fits perfectly with modern science policy: actively encouraging interaction between science, society, and industry.”
– Prof. Dr. Jos Engelen (former NWO president & professor at UvA)

“The PPP is an excellent and necessary way for young researchers to explore career opportunities, while underlining the societal value of PhD graduates.”
– Prof. Dr. Jeroen Geurts (former chair of De Jonge Akademie & professor at VUMC)

“We value the PPP because it allows PhD candidates to experience what working at NWO entails. It strengthens our programs and reinforces our ties with science. A win-win situation for all.”
– Anneke Zijlstra (former policy advisor at NWO)

“The PPP is a great way for employers to engage with talented young researchers who dare to think beyond the academic box.”
– Jasper Zuure (coordinator at former RMO)

“I found it very valuable to gain experience outside the university and to broaden my horizons.”
– Judith van Dongen-van den Broek (PPP at Dutch Ministry of OCW)

“I experience the PPP as enriching. Alongside my PhD research at Leiden University, I worked at NWO, which gave me new perspectives on science and valuable skills for my future career. I can highly recommend a PPP position.”
– Janna Marie Hoogendam (PPP at NWO)