Types of PhD contracts
Starting a PhD-trajectory is a big step in an academic career. However, not all PhDs write their dissertations under the same conditions. In The Netherlands, most PhD candidates are employed by the university, university medical center (UMC), or a research institute to pursue a PhD. However, there are various types of PhD contracts, which determine whether the PhD candidate is considered a student or an employee, and the applicable labor conditions.
It is PNN’s position that doing a PhD constitutes work, so we campaign for the recognition of PhD candidates as employees with rights and benefits in accordance with the relevant collective labour agreement (CLA) and national labor law. However, this is not currently the case and there are PhD candidates that are not employed by their institutions. Because of this, it is very important that PhD candidates understand under which conditions they are conducting their work. Below, we present an overview of the types of PhD contracts currently at use in The Netherlands:
- Employed PhD Candidate:
- Employee-PhD candidate (werknemer-promovendus): Has an employment contract and an agreement aimed at a PhD program with their own university or UMC. They hold an employee status, which entitles them to full employment benefits according to the relevant Collective Labor Agreement (CLA) and national labor law.
- Employee in PhD track (promoverende medewerker): It is also possible to be employed as an employee in a PhD track, that is, the PhD is not your main occupation but you received funding and/or time from the university to pursue it. In this case, the applicable rights and benefits depend on the type of function, as stated in the contract with the employer.
- Not-employed PhD Candidate:
- Scholarship PhD candidate (beurspromovendus): Does not have an employment contract with the university or UMC where the PhD is completed, but has received funds for the PhD through a grant provider. The grant can be provided by the university or the UMC or by another organization. Rights and benefits originating from labor law or the CLA do not extend to this kind of PhD candidate.
- External PhD candidate (buitenpromovendus): Does not receive time or money from an external party for a promotion. The PhD candidate arranges own resources, for example from family. Rights and benefits originating from labor law or the CLA do not extend to this kind of PhD candidate.
- Externally funded PhD candidate (extern gefinancierde promovendus): This is different from being an external PhD candidate, as either there is financing in some way for doing the PhD or the candidate is allowed to work on the PhD in 'the boss's time'. Externally funded PhD candidates are usually considered employed at their respective organizations and not at a university or UMC.
Sources:
https://www.universiteitenvannederland.nl/en/job-classification-system-ufo
Are you currently experiencing issues during your PhD that you need help with?
Most institutions have a number of contact points for help. This compass is designed to help you find the right support.
In the drop-down menu you can select the institution that you are doing your PhD at. Then the roadmap will show you available contact points. In most cases it makes sense to start by considering contact points in your immediate work environment first and then progress to higher levels (like institutional or national).
At the bottom of the page you can find some examples of problems you can run into and a list of descriptions of each contact point.
Your first contact points
Colleagues: Sometimes it can already help to talk with your colleagues about the issue you are experiencing. This will help you judge the severity of it and can provide you with allies in taking further action.
Daily supervisor*: Naturally, your daily supervisor is the first contact point for all issues. They can help you determine the next steps. Of course, you may not feel comfortable discussing everything with your supervisor, or maybe your daily supervisor is involved in the issue. In these cases have a look at the other available contact points.
Promotor or Co-Supervisor*: Especially, in cases of issues with your daily supervisor, consider reaching out to your promotor or another member on the supervision team and ask for a one-on-one meeting. Maybe they can (temporarily) step-up and help you resolve the issue.If you have a conflict with your supervisor(s), you can also have a look at the PNN PhD supervisor conflict roadmap.
*Note that your annual review talk with your supervisory team is a good opportunity to address issues or suggestions for improvement.
National contact points
Labor unions: Organizations representing the interests of academic staff, offering support on employment-related matters, rights, and fair treatment.
NWO Scientific Integrity Desk: A specialized desk addressing scientific integrity concerns in projects related to or funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Netherlands Board of Research Integrity (LOWI): An independent body handling complaints related to scientific integrity, providing a platform for fair investigation. If you feel like the local scientific integrity committee at your institution did not handle a case correctly, the LOWI can be the next contact point.
Making a police report: In cases involving a criminal offense, please consider contacting local law enforcement to report incidents and seek assistance.