1. Early Career Researchers Welfare Framework
Recognise the challenges of job security in the project-based world of ECR
Look for established groups with established programme grants and frequent new projects
Understand the societal and academic context in which we operate1
Stick to your boundaries in work-life balance, and practise self-care2
Understand the criteria for promotion and progression in your institution or ones to which you may wish to apply
Seek opportunities to lead, for example leading systematic reviews between main projects
Understand the balance between pursuing career development and ensuring work-life balance
Speak to Research and Innovation staff at your institution
Citizens Advice Bureau and similar organisations can help with wider financial concerns
We can face challenges better in community than in isolation
Organic relationships and structured mentoring schemes are both options - SSM has a mentoring scheme so get in touch if interested3
Job security
Work-life balance
Developing an academic career
Finance and funding
Mentoring
Contact:
Citing this framework: Max Barnish, Naoimh McMahon; the 2018 SSM ECR Subcommittee. The 2018 Society for Social Medicine & Population Health Early Career Researchers Welfare Framework
Additional resources:
The SSM ECR Subcommittee, Capewell S. Academic careers: what do early career researchers think? J Epidemiol Community Health 2017; 71:
SSM Network Platform:
1. Slides from a talk on this are available by
2. O’Dwyer S, Pinto S, McDonough S. Self-care for academics: a poetic invitation to reflect and resist. Reflective Practice 2018; doi /
3. SSM Mentoring Scheme: