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
