Citing economic concerns and the need for flexibility within departments, Wert said renewable contracts, part-time employees and one-year appointments are becoming more frequent.

Although conducted by Harvard researchers, no part of the project focuses on the University.

Ervin said she felt the project would be relevant to all schools, even though Harvard is very different than many larger or less selective institutions.

"I think the issues that exist at Harvard are not unique to Harvard," Ervin said.

Recently, faculty and students at Harvard have criticized the administration for a tenure review process that is allegedly arbitrary and stacked against junior faculty.

Although the chairs initiate tenure review for faculty within their departments and senior faculty give recommendations about the candidates, President Neil L. Rudenstine makes the final decision. Harvard offers tenure to 21 percent of its junior faculty.