Who makes, who breaks: Which scientists stay in academe?

- We examine the survival of young scientists in the academic labor market.
- The propensity to leave academe follows an inverse u-shape.
- Publishing one additional paper increases the chance of survival by 6%.
- Patenting scientists are less likely to stay in academe.
- Preferences for doing business increase the propensity of leaving academe.

We examine the survival of young scientists in academe. The propensity to leave follows an inverse u-shape. Publishing increases and patenting decreases the chance of survival. Scientists with strong preferences for business are less likely to stay in academe.