Exploring Career Opportunities as a Postdoc in the Netherlands
Although choosing a career can be difficult, the Netherlands has great opportunities in the public sector, business, and academia.
This page compiles guidance, tools, and doable actions to assist you in finding chances that will actually aid in your development.
How to spot good opportunities
Not every career path or postdoctoral position will support your long-term objectives in the same way. As you weigh your options, ask yourself:
Does it line-up with my professional goals?
- If you want to pursue teaching, grants, and publications, academic positions are fantastic
- If you want stability, practical impact, or leadership development, positions in the government or industry might be more suitable
What is the structure of the contract?
- Postdocs in academia typically last one to three years.
- Jobs in government and industry might provide more stable career paths or longer-term opportunities
What sort of help am I going to get?
- Seek out opportunities for career coaching, training, mentoring, and opportunities to build transferable skills.
Is there room to grow?
- Good opportunities should expand your network, build new relationships, and strengthen your professional profile
Does the culture feel encouraging?
- Ask about work-life balance, inclusion, and team dynamics during the interview process
Academia and Research Institutes
Academic postdocs remain a central career path in the Netherlands. Beyond universities, you’ll also find opportunities at renowned research institutes funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Where to look for positions:
- AcademicTransfer: https://www.academictransfer.com/en/
- Academic Positions: https://academicpositions.com/
- University-specific pages
Governmental research institutes:
- NWO Institutes: AMOLF, CWI, Nikhef, NIOZ
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) for translational biomedical research.
Funding opportunities for independence:
- Rubicon: assists postdocs who wish to carry out research abroad.
- Veni: a distinguished early-career award to launch your own research program.
- You can find a more detailed list of funders on our funding acquisition page. (add link to funding page)
Qualities to look for in academic positions include:
- Mentorship and quality supervision.
- Possibilities for publishing, teaching, and resume development.
- Access to global funding, networks, and infrastructure.
Industry and commercial R&D
The Netherlands has a vibrant innovation ecosystem. In industries like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, sustainable energy, and high-tech engineering, postdocs usually work on applied projects with real-world applications and impact.
Where to find positions:
- Look for “Commercial” positions on EuroScienceJobs
- LinkedIn Jobs and Glassdoor
- Websites from companies (e.g., ASML, Janssen, Genmab, Unilever, DSM-Firmenich, Philips)
What to look for in an industry job:
- Opportunities for skill development (project management, leadership, and innovation)
- Potential for internal career advancement or long-term agreements
- There is a clear alignment between the company’s strategic focus and your area of expertise
- A culture that supports innovation and fosters research.
Government & Public Sector (Beyond Research)
Postdocs can pursue fulfilling careers outside of the lab. In the Dutch public sector, many former researchers are successful in positions that have an impact on administration, policy, and science communication.
Where to find positions:
- The main job board for Dutch government positions is called Werken voor Nederland.
- Organizations at the EU level, like EURAXESS, for jobs pertaining to European policy and research.
- LinkedIn and other professional networks where advisory councils, NGOs, and ministries post job openings.
Possible career pathways:
- Positions in science policy and advisory at the ministry level (e.g. Education, Culture, and Science).
- Organizations that communicate science and those that provide funding for research.
- Project management or administration for large-scale national or EU-funded projects.
Qualities to look for in government positions:
- The opportunity to apply your research skills to broader societal problems
- Stability and clearly defined career paths as opposed to short-term academic contracts
- A chance to directly influence science policy and innovation
