The purpose of our research is to understand how, in the context of labour market instability, postdoctoral researchers experience their working conditions and their prospects and opportunities, in relation to their wellbeing. The postdoc population is substantial and growing; the average duration of postdocs’ employment is approaching the length of the doctorate trajectory. Given their lack of academic career prospects and invisibility, which does not coincide with the highly educated status and contribution to research, we diagnosed a dual controversy. Our recent research (n=667) reveals that this dual controversy results in high stress levels amongst the Dutch (n=667) surveyed postdocs; about 40% state that their mental health is in danger (Van der Weijden & Teelken, 2020). Main stress factors are: lack of academic career prospects; publication and grant pressure; work life imbalance; and lack of institutional support.

Inge van der Weijden is a senior researcher at Leiden University. Inge conducts both qualitative and quantitative research on the motivation, selection and evaluation of scholars in order to better understand career development of scientists within and outside academia. Special attention is given to mental health and diversity. Inge completed her PhD at VU Amsterdam. She worked as a postdoc at the Rathenau Institute, where she did research into academic management & leadership of group leaders. In 2012 she joined the Center for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) at Leiden University, The Netherlands. She gives lectures and workshops at, among others, career days for PhD candidates, graduate schools, postdoc network days and HR professionals. In 2017 she won a Special Recognition Award from the World Cultural Council. Since 2020 Inge is president of the Centre of Expertise for the Dutch PhD training.