Fixed-term employment and leaving intention: An analysis of junior academics across Europe

Abstract

The academic career systems in Europe differ significantly. While in tenure systems, permanent positions can be obtained shortly after the doctorate, in up-or-out systems, most researchers remain in fixed-term employment until they become professors. Therefore, the article focuses on how the type of contract affects the intention of post-doctoral researchers to leave academia in different countries, using theoretical labor market concepts as well as the social-cognitive approach. Findings based on EUROAC data from ten European countries show that more researchers in up-or-down systems intend to leave academia than in tenure systems. This applies to both temporary and permanent researchers. Still, the duration of work contract - especially temporary employment without prospects of permanent employment - is a significant predictor for leaving academia even after controlling for other factors. In contrast, job satisfaction plays an important role in both groups for the remain. In addition, the number of publications only has a significant influence in tenure systems and does not play a role in the up-or-out systems. It is also only in tenure systems that women with children show a lower leaving intention - whereas in Germany for example, the compatibility of an academic career with a family is discussed as a problem area.