Abstract
This article focuses on the career chances and working conditions of early-stage researchers as an important category of knowledge workers within the academic system in Germany. We analyse the consequences of a crucial element of this system: the trend to work on externally-funded short-term research projects. Temporary employment in projects opens up opportunities for self-fulfilment and self-organisation, but also increases the risk of self-exploitation. There are, however, variations in the advantages and disadvantages depending on disciplinary structures. Moreover, in order to succeed in science the availability of a variety of capitals is necessary. As a consequence, projectification disadvantages social groups with scarce resources.
Highlights
In recent decades, forms of employment have changed rapidly
This is true in the German academic system, which is characterised by a high level of precarity
The elements of New Public Management (NPM) that are related to research in the academic system in Germany include evaluation mechanisms, including rating and ranking procedures; the use of bibliometric indexes to assess the performance of single researchers and research institutions; the introduction of contract systems fixing goals in formal agreements; and an increase in external project funding
Summary
Forms of employment have changed rapidly. This has affected creative knowledge production industries as much as manufacturing industries. The elements of New Public Management (NPM) that are related to research in the academic system in Germany include evaluation mechanisms, including rating and ranking procedures; the use of bibliometric indexes to assess the performance of single researchers and research institutions; the introduction of contract systems fixing goals in formal agreements; and an increase in external project funding These reforms have resulted in more concurrence and market-driven research (De Boer, Enders & Schimank, 2007; Münch, 2014; Schimank, 2014). 12 The precariousness of knowledge workers (Part 1): hybridisation, self-employment and subjectification same time the reduction in funding for permanent research positions reduces the chances of these early career researchers being able to access predictable career prospects2 These factors aggravate the already tenuous situation in the academic job market (Kreckel & Pasternack, 2008). The time between projects is funded by low-income scholarships or teaching appointments, the pay rate is barely enough to provide a livelihood and does not always cover costs (such as the health insurance that is compulsory in Germany), parental leave, the cost of unemployment insurance or contributions to a retirement fund
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