Sarah Threlfell
Medical Writer, Regulatory Medical Writing at Insight Medical WritingDon’t be concerned about leaving academia; there are many opportunities outside of academia which offer the same challenges but with greater rewards.
Researchers find all sorts of rewarding careers – smart people work everywhere!
Such diversity in potential roles can prove challenging when exploring your options. This collection of career profiles enables you to see what others in your position chose to do, why and how they made the move, and what they most enjoy about their job. You will get a feel for their daily activities, workplace culture and work-life balance.Top tip: Look out for authors’ insights into which skills developed during or after their PhD proved helpful in getting their job, and performing well there. You’ll be encouraged to see how people are building on their research expertise to thrive in newer roles.And don’t miss the “employer bio” at the end of each career profile for careers opportunities in each organisation.
Recent profiles
Heather Kazara
Assistant Ecologist at Aspect Ecology LtdI wish I had known how many other people leave academia and are happy with their decision.
Inigo del Portillo Barrios
Engineer, ARC Development at SESHaving a PhD does not necessarily tie you to jobs in your field of study; on the contrary, it opens doors to many opportunities.
Rupin Dhamankar
Manager, Medical Science Liaison’s Women’s Health at NateraKeep an open mind and don’t be averse to taking the leap. There’s a saying in Hindi, “Udaan bharne ke liye, chalang lanaga zaroori hain”, which loosely translates to if you want to learn how to fly/soar, you have to first jump!
Abigail Reynolds (née Harris)
Senior Portfolio Manager, Capability and Innovation (Skills and Careers) at UKRI-BBSRCOn reflection, I’m not sure my aim was ever to remain in academia!
Kate Fulcher
Research assistant: molecular analysis at British MuseumWorking with such an amazing collection and with world experts. Being able to combine my interests in science, Egyptology, and heritage.
Maddy Pope
Senior Medical Copywriter at TBWA\WorldHealth LondonI felt it offered a perfect way to combine my skills – science and writing. Translating complex topics into clear, compelling storytelling really appealed to me as it had been how I approached writing my thesis.
Ryan Kyle
Senior Scientist - Immunologist at GSKI had heard that industrial science can be quite restrictive, that you don’t have the freedom to follow interesting science as you do in academia. It may be that I have been lucky in my role, but I have had quite a lot of freedom to investigate what I believe may be interesting biology.
Joanna Bagniewska
Communications and Public Engagement Officer at University of Oxford, Department of PaediatricsYour degree is more than just academic skills, it’s an opportunity to try out a range of new activities. Do it – you never know what will come in handy!
Ambreen Shah
Director of Policy, Research and Communications at Design CouncilMake the university PhD experience a whole one – study hard, but talk to people and engage, if possible, with the community you live in.
Josephine Head
Senior Research Lead Sustainable Agriculture at Earthwatch EuropeA favourite part of my job is feeling like I’m doing something really impactful.
Alice Curry
Founder & CEO at Lantana PublishingThat there’s no need to worry about knowing too little or not having enough experience – there will always be more to learn and if you’re passionate, committed and hard-working.