Page 47 - Through the gate of the neoliberal academy • Herschberg
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The respondent argues that he needs a postdoc who can carry out the project that he obtained funding for. Yet, he emphasises that he looks for a postdoc who can “assuredly do it”. Here we see that project conditions shape the requirement for a postdoc who can successfully execute the project. Our analysis shows that expert knowledge is a core criterion that PIs throughout the countries apply in order to increase the chance for a successful completion of the project. Respondents refer to this as “scientific technical expertise”, “particular skills”, or “a certain competence in the research commissioned”. There is consensus among PIs in all countries that they consider it important that a postdoc candidate has experience with the research topic and the necessary expertise to conduct and complete the research project successfully.
The criterion of availability
Illustrated by the discussion of the role of networks, PIs throughout the countries are looking for candidates who are available for the project’s duration. This creates another condition for criteria applied in the selection of postdocs. A Swiss respondent argues that his strategy is to hire a person “who can start immediately [on the first day of the project], who will be good for the project but perhaps not super-brilliant, not top class” (CH, STEM, M). He then further explained that hiring a postdoc on a research grant obliges him to make compromises, as the project has its own timetable. Moreover, this respondent explained that his preference for hiring a “not super-brilliant” candidate is because he expects them to have a higher chance of staying for the entire project duration. He argued that “top class” candidates are more inclined to receive a better offer in another institution and therefore leave during the course of the project. It seems that he anticipates the counter-power of top class candidates, who might leave during the project for less precarious career options. Our analysis reveals that PIs in all countries want to hire candidates who are available when the project starts, which can cause them to opt for low(er) risk candidates who can meet project objectives. Thus, they seem willing to sacrifice quality for availability.
The criteria of commitment and motivation
Our analysis reveals that commitment to the project and its duration is an important factor in the selection of postdocs too. Belgian respondents explain that this also requires a willingness to stay in Belgium for the duration of the postdoctoral contract. An Italian respondent argues: “The fellowships are tied to specific projects. So that what we consider is availability and commitment for this period, not for a longer one” (IT, STEM, M). This quote touches upon one of the precarities inherent to postdoc positions: the appointment for a fixed-term period. Positions funded by projects can
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