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Scientist in the molecular biology laboratory at Heidelberg University
Photo: Uwe Anspach / picture alliance / dpa
The federal government has agreed on new rules for temporary positions in science.
The Ministry of Education announced that in the future, scientists will only be allowed to be employed on a fixed-term basis for four years instead of six years after completing their doctorate.
A further two years should only be permitted with a binding commitment to join.
The reform of the Science Temporary Contract Act could be decided on in the cabinet as soon as possible.
The law has regulated fixed-term employment contracts at universities and research institutions since 2007.
It has long been criticized because, in practice, many young scientists move from one fixed-term employment contract to the next.
In 2020, according to the ministry, 81 percent of full-time academic staff at universities, with the exception of professors, were employed on a temporary basis.
Commenting on the agreement, Federal Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) said the aim was to improve working conditions for scientists in early career phases.
“With the reform, we are creating more reliability, predictability and transparency in scientific operations.” In addition, the compatibility of family and career will be improved.
“At the same time, we ensure the performance and ability of our science system to act,” said the minister.
msk/dpa