Swiss Universities Face Crisis as Researcher Burnout and Precarity Rise
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A new survey reveals a disturbing trend within Switzerland’s highly-regarded university system: widespread burnout, stress, and precarious working conditions are taking a meaningful toll on the mental health of researchers. Despite the prestige associated with academic life, a growing number of doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers, and other scientific staff are struggling under immense pressure, prompting calls for systemic change.
A System Under Strain
Swiss universities consistently rank among the best in the world, attracting talent and fostering groundbreaking research. However, beneath the veneer of academic excellence lies a system long criticized for the insecure employment prospects and challenging conditions faced by those beyond the professorial ranks. According too a recent report by actionuni, the umbrella organization for mid-level university staff, 61 percent of those surveyed report being generally satisfied with their jobs. Yet, a concerning 22 percent exhibit symptoms of depression, and many are experiencing burnout.
The core of the problem lies in the prevalence of temporary contracts. Approximately 80 percent of employees within the Swiss academy are employed on a temporary basis, creating a climate of constant uncertainty.
the Pressure to Conform and the Cost of Ambition
One researcher, speaking on condition of anonymity, described a deeply unsettling experience with a supervising professor who fostered a cutthroat environment. “My supervising professor during my doctorate had the attitude of a shark. But maybe you have to become a shark to survive in the academy,” she said.The pressure to prioritize work over personal life was relentless, with one instance involving a critical email received on a Friday evening, questioning her dedication to academia for choosing to end her work day at 5 p.m.
A Cycle of Instability
After completing her doctorate, this researcher found a position at another Swiss university, but encountered a chaotic work structure where she often absorbed responsibilities beyond her role, including providing emotional support to her supervisor. Now facing the end of her current contract and unsuccessful in securing a new post-doc position, she is grappling with the challenging decision of whether to remain in Switzerland, where she has built a social network, or to continue the nomadic existence common in academia – moving from country to country in pursuit of opportunities.
Government Austerity measures Threaten to Worsen Conditions
The situation is poised to deteriorate further as the Swiss Federal Council seeks to implement austerity measures. A proposed “2027 relief package” aims to cut 10 percent of funding from universities across switzerland, including the Swiss National Science Foundation, a major source of research funding. This plan, currently under consideration by the Council of States, has sparked criticism that it will not only weaken Switzerland’s position as a research hub but also exacerbate the precarious working conditions for mid-level staff.
Recent investigations corroborate the findings of the Actionuni survey. In October 2025, the investigative research team “Reflexion” documented accounts from 180 individuals detailing instances of abuse of power, bullying, harassment, and even research theft. this evidence points to a systemic problem deeply embedded within the academic structure.
A Call for Systemic Change
The limited availability of permanent professorships is a essential flaw in the system. Professors themselves are frequently enough overburdened, juggling teaching responsibilities, administrative tasks, and research demands.This pressure frequently trickles down to post-docs and doctoral students,who bear the brunt of the workload without the security of a long-term position.”The current system is an instantaneous water heater and bad for everyone involved – from the students right up to the professorship,” stated Jonathan Pärli, co-founder of the Mittelbau group at the VPOD union.
Pärli advocates for a more equitable distribution of work, duty, power, and resources, shifting them away from the disproportionate concentration at the professorial level. He believes this can be achieved through stronger union organization and collaboration with students. “Only noticeable countervailing power will persuade universities and politicians not to take refuge in pseudo-solutions or even austerity policies,” he emphasized.
Actionuni echoes these demands, calling for contractually guaranteed research time for doctoral students and the creation of more permanent positions for those with PhDs. However, for researchers like the one who shared her story, these measures may come too late. Facing an uncertain future, she is contemplating leaving academia altogether, despite her passion for research.
