Academic Career Choices and Job Satisfaction of PhD Graduates: A Qualitative Case Study in Chengdu, Sichuan

This qualitative case study explores career choices and job satisfaction among 29 PhD graduates employed at six "Double First-Class" universities in Chengdu, China. The findings reveal that the career expectations, life aspirations, and societal expectations of doctoral graduates collectively shape a personal expectation value system in career decision-making, which significantly guides their choice of employment location. The saturation of the academic labor market has driven academic mobility, with Chengdu's appeal to doctoral holders primarily stemming from career development opportunities, quality of life, urban resources, family responsibilities, and geographical location. The job satisfaction of the respondents, as early career academics (ECAs), mainly influenced by the pressures of personnel system reform and academic involution, with female ECAs reporting lower satisfaction in work-life balance compared to their male counterparts. Factors that significantly deviate from personal expectations include poor physical working conditions, limited opportunities for graduate student supervision, regional disparities in student profile and academic interests, and a weak academic exchange atmosphere. This study provides a new perspective for regional talent policy formulation, advising local governments to enhance the research environment, support for scholars, and optimize resource allocation to promote the sustainable development of higher education. The findings offer valuable insights into understanding the talent attraction mechanisms of emerging cities in China and the ecology of academic careers.