Postdocs in the Netherlands
A postdoctoral researcher – usually called a ‘postdoc’ – is a researcher who has completed their doctorate (PhD) or equivalent and is working on a defined research project for at least 0,2 FTE at academia or a research institute. As a postdoc, your contract can come either from an already funded position offered by a university or research institute, or through a personal fellowship or grant that you have secured yourself. In the latter case, you still need a host institution that will provide you with a contract, workplace, and other necessary support.
In 2023, the Netherlands counted nearly 4,000 postdocs. Between 2005 and 2023, this number has almost doubled, with internationals making up 70% of all postdocs in 2023 (Rathenau Institute).
Myriads of tasks
As a postdoc you play a crucial role in advancing science and driving innovation. Apart from doing research and working toward a set of publications, you are involved in teaching and supervising students from different academic levels and contribute to grant applications.
Beyond these core activities, you attend relevant conferences where you disseminate your research, set up new collaborations with researchers from your own or other institutes, build a professional network, enhance both personal and professional skills, and build a distinctive academic profile. A key advantage of being a postdoc is that you can have the freedom to lead your own research project and be creative.
Temporary contracts
The average duration of a postdoctoral contract in the Netherlands is 2.5 years (source: Leiden University/ VU Amsterdam). Some contracts last only a few months, while the longer contracts may last up to four years. While there are permanent postdoc positions, most contracts are temporary. According to the collective labour agreement (CAO), a maximum of three temporary employment contracts may be concluded with a researcher, subject to a maximum duration of 4 years. If it concerns a position that is temporarily financed externally or that involves co-financing, a maximum duration of 4 years applies.
Challenges
While being a postdoc is in many ways rewarding, it is also a challenging role. A substantial number of postdocs experience mental health issues and find it difficult maintaining a work-personal life balance. The temporary nature of the contracts may lead to uncertainty about long-term career prospects and the pressure to publish and secure grants often within relatively tight timelines can lead to anxiety. Moreover, postdocs can experience inadequate support from their supervisor or host institution.
What do we offer
Because of the challenges a postdoc faces, our platform provides crucial support and resources to help you navigate your postdoc successfully:
- Advice on contractual terms and conditions, funding options, and institutional regulations
- Career development tools, such as grant-writing workshops, and mentorship/ professional guidance
- Mental health support
- Advice on successful networking and interviewing for academic positions
