Postdoc X-ray in Europe 2017: Work conditions, productivity, institutional support and career outlooks
Authors: José Ribeiro Maria , Fonseca Ana , Ramos Mariana Moura , Costa Marta , Kilteni Konstantina , Møller Andersen Lau , Harber-Aschan Lisa , Moscoso Joana A. , Bagchi Sonchita ,   European Network of Postdoctoral Associations
Published: January 2019

1.

Executive Summary

This survey and data analysis were conducted by the European Network of Postdoctoral Associations (ENPA) with the aim of assessing the current research and work conditions, aspirations and support received by postdoctoral researchers working in Europe.

The Results section is structured into three main parts. The first one describes the study sample of European postdoctoral researchers, including participants’ demographics, funding sources and income, research outputs, and teaching opportunities. The second section focuses on their professional aspirations and institutional support provided. The third part describes the level of engagement of postdoctoral researchers and their institutions in working towards better research conditions and career development, and what initiatives are emerging within this community.

Our Conclusions section pulls together this comprehensive analysis, highlighting some of the most concerning issues currently affecting postdoctoral researchers in Europe. We also make a number of recommendations that would significantly improve the career expectations and aspirations of postdoctoral researchers. These are listed below.

Conclusions and recommendations

Longer postdoctoral periods in Southern Europe despite higher publication metrics

Recommendation Institutions in Southern Europe should develop clear criteria to support postdoctoral researchers’ career progression.

Southern and Eastern Europe pay the lowest salaries and have the lowest number of foreign postdoctoral researchers

Recommendation The salary differences across European countries should be addressed as this could be a barrier to mobility and knowledge exchange from higher to lower pay regions.

Lack of access to funding is a significant concern of postdoctoral researchers

Recommendation Discrepancies in access to funding should be minimized across the different European areas.

Postdoctoral researchers in Europe work longer hours than required by contract

Recommendation The culture of overwork in the research environment should be addressed in order to protect researchers against the risks associated with long hours at work.

The majority of full-time postdoctoral work contracts includes an exclusivity clause

Recommendation Inclusion of exclusivity clauses in contracts for postdoctoral researchers should be optional in order to allow them to enhance their employability outside academia.

Postdoctoral researchers’ career development is poorly supported by their institutions

Recommendation Postdoctoral researchers’ career prospects and career management should be much more supported by institutions in coordination with postdoctoral associations.

Lack of postdoctoral representation in governance is linked to unclear institutional duties and rights

Recommendation Institutional governance bodies should include postdoctoral researcher representatives. This would ensure that the views of this vital staff group are heard, as well as making postdoctoral researchers feel more engaged with their own institutions. A flexible and proactive communication strategy at the institution and research group level should be developed, taking into account the sometimes transient nature of postdoctoral researchers’ posts.

Researchers show higher engagement with their local postdoctoral associations than with workers’ unions

Recommendation Postdoctoral associations are an essential way to advocate for postdoctoral researchers at the governance level. Institutions should engage with, promote and support the work of postdoctoral associations.