OECD official sounds alarm over ‘research precariat’

‘Mercenary workforce’ of junior researchers vulnerable to abuse, says senior figure leading major careers study

The increasing use of short-term contracts to employ junior researchers is feeding toxic cultures in academia, according to a senior figure at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. 

Carthage Smith, who has been leading a two-year study at the OECD on temporary employment in the academic workforce, says systemic change is urgently needed to shore up research careers.