In the Netherlands, a postdoc will typically work for their university on a temporary basis (temporary contract), usually based on the duration of a research project or certain (external) funding. Depending on the particular project and the available funds, these contracts usually have a duration of two to four years. They outline your official role and responsibilities, the number of working hours per week, and your starting salary scale. Gross monthly salaries for postdoctoral researchers typically range from about €3,000 to €5,000, depending on your experience and your university’s policies. This is before adding the 8.3% end-of-year bonus and the 8% holiday allowance, which are typical at Dutch universities. Even though national agreements govern a lot of this, you can still discuss things like your starting salary step, financial support for conferences, or minor changes to suit the needs of the project. Asking questions or negotiating these points is quite normal, and HR departments are ready to help you through the process.
The Collective Labour Agreement (CAO)
The Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities governs your employment as a postdoc. Fair, open, and uniform working conditions are guaranteed in all Dutch institutions by this national agreement, which is negotiated between employee organizations and universities. In addition to important provisions for professional development and a safe workplace, the CAO contains comprehensive arrangements on contract types and maximum durations, salary scales and annual pay steps, working hours, holiday and parental leave, pensions, and social security. Additionally, it discusses issues like social safety, the role of the ombudsman, and how colleges promote the wellbeing of their employees. The current version of the CAO, which is updated frequently, is valid from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. You can find the full Collective Labour Agreement here:
Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities | Universiteiten van Nederland
