PhD holders’ working conditions and job satisfaction in Spain: a cross-sector comparison

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare three job sectors regarding PhD holders’ current working conditions and satisfaction, and whether their working conditions changed after they completed the PhD. We analysed the responses gathered in the survey on the employability of PhD graduates carried out in 2020 by the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency, AQU Catalunya. Participants were 1,798 PhD holders from all disciplines who graduated between 2014 and 2016 and worked across three job sectors: universities, research institutes and outside academia. Our results offer clear evidence that the working conditions were better for PhD holders working outside academia in terms of the type of contract, working hours and salary, although the connection between their doctoral studies and work is particularly weak. However, we did not �nd differences in satisfaction with the job content and overall job satisfaction among the three sectors. We also found a clear mismatch between the degree required for the job and the level of responsibilities, not only for PhD holders working beyond academia but also, to a lesser extent, for those working at universities and research institutes. This study contributes to the understanding of academic and non-academic trajectories and points out several gaps and lines for future research and doctoral education.