Postgraduate Researchers and Research Staff
We offer tailored careers advice for postgraduate researchers and research staff. Find out about the support and resources available.
Support for postgraduate researchers
All postgraduate students have access to our resources and activities during their studies and for up to three years after graduation.
Students undertaking a PhD have a dedicated careers consultant for their faculty who can offer one-to-one support.
You can book an appointment through MyCareer.
Canvas course: Careers for Researchers
Our Careers for Researchers Canvas course enables you to learn at your own pace and at a time to suit you. It includes a wide range of topics and activities to help you manage your career. The course is open to PGR students and research staff.
Careers advice
Find careers information and advice on our website:
External websites:
- Vitae - a UK based organisation supporting researcher development. You can sign up as a member for free as a member of Newcastle University.
- Prosper – a careers resource for academic researchers. This is a free, open access resource provided by the University of Liverpool.
- Prospects – your PhD – what next?
Finding a paid academic job
Some PhD graduates choose to continue to work in academia. Finding a position in your specialist area can take time. Networking with academics in your field of research can help you to find an opportunity.
Traditional entry jobs for PhD graduates are as a research assistant or research associate. Some graduates go on to become a lecturer or professor. This is a competitive route. You would need experience in:
- producing high quality research publications
- teaching
- funding applications
- university administration
A fellowship is another option to consider, for example through an external funder or with a university.
Jobs.ac.uk has more information about academic jobs.
You can find job vacancies on university websites or on the following websites:
See our research in academia section for more information on research careers and finding jobs in the sector.
You can also use funding council websites to find opportunities in your sector. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the umbrella body for funding councils in the UK.
Moving out of academia
Most PhD/MPhil graduates do not go on to work in academia. Your skills, experience and knowledge are valued in a variety of roles and settings.
There are opportunities in industry or the public and not for profit sectors. You could work in research outside of a university, for example for a research council or professional body. Some graduates go on to become self-employed or start a business.
Visit the following sections of our website:
For more help with finding and applying for opportunities, book an appointment through MyCareer.
For help applying for opportunities, see our pages which includes our Guide to CVs for Academic Researchers.
Events
We run career events and workshops for postgraduate researchers. Tailored events are available through your Faculty Researcher Development Programme and include:
- Career planning
- Job search
- Applications
- CVs – academic
- CVs – industry
- Cover letters
- Working in the UK
- Interview skills
- Work Visas for Research Students
See our events section for more information about our programme of events and to sign up.
Support for research staff
Research staff who are in the early part of their career (usually up to 7 years post PhD) have access to dedicated careers consultants, Lisa Rippingale and Mike Burns. To book an appointment visit MyCareer. If no appointments are available, you can email us through MyCareer.
The Careers Service works closely with Organisational Development, who oversee development for research staff at Newcastle University.
As a member of staff you can access training and development on a wide range of topics through the Learning Management System.
Canvas course: Careers for Researchers
Our Careers for Researchers Canvas course enables you to learn at your own pace and at a time to suit you. It includes a wide range of topics and activities to help you manage your career. The course is open to PGR students and research staff.
Events
The Careers Service and Organisational Development Team work in partnership to deliver workshops for research staff.
Career Management for Research Colleagues Programme
This is an online programme with four interactive workshops over 6 weeks. It covers:
- Career clarity: What are my skills?
- Career curiosity: How do I progress in Academia?
- Career courage: What are the options outside academia?
- Career capability: How do I get there?
For more information and to book a place visit the Learning Management System.
Career Transitions Workshop
Join our two-hour online workshop focused on helping researchers find careers outside academic environments. For more information and to book a place go to the Learning Management System.