How Casualisation in Academia is Driving Away Talent
- naomityrrellphd
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
How Casualisation in Academia is Driving Away Talent
Precarious Work in Academia
The academic dream-secure, meaningful work dedicated to discovery - has eroded.
Since 1994, the proportion of academics on casual and fixed-term contracts has
skyrocketed.
In the UK alone, over 70,000 academic staff are currently employed on fixed-term contracts. The result? Uncertainty, instability, and high stress levels.
Why So Many Academics Are Leaving
A global study of 38 countries found that nearly 50% of researchers exit academia
within 10 years of publishing their first paper. The competition for permanent roles is
brutal: only 3.5% of science PhDs secure faculty positions, and fewer than 1% reach
full professorship.
The Alternative: Careers with Security and Growth
The reality is that industry, government, and the nonprofit sector all offer research-
based roles - with better pay, career progression, and job security. For many, leaving
academia isn’t a step down - it’s a step up.
How to Transition Successfully
With FutureProof, you can identify and articulate the skills employers value most.
And by connecting with others in the Alt Ac Careers Network, you’ll discover real-
life stories from academics who’ve already made the leap.
For more information see the FutureProof Career Accelerator Programme
Takeaway: Casualisation is costing academia its brightest minds. Don’t let insecurity hold you back - there are stable, rewarding careers waiting beyond academia.
Looking For Support?
Subscribe to my Career Development Newsletter and download my Free Coaching Tools pack.
Get in touch for my free Online Career and Impact Workshops Brochure and Online AI Workshops Brochure get your university to bring me in to deliver AI training or researcher career development, leaving academia well, and research impact workshops!
Book a 1:1 Coaching Call and get my bespoke advice and support
For more tips join my Alt Ac Careers Facebook Group
Connect with me on LinkedIn and grow your network through mine!
Comments