1. Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net
Theresa Mercer
Centre for Adaptive Science and Sustainability,
University of Hull

2. Transitions
Student
Researcher
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3. My Background Education BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (UEA)
MSc Environmental Management (Sunderland)
PhD Environmental Geochemistry (Hull)
Work Experience
PhD – research assistant – HYDRALAB
Postdoc research assistant - CASS
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4. Rollercoaster of Emotions Philips and Pugh (1998) - PhD
3. Interest
Independence
1. Enthusiasm
6. Euphoria
5. A job to be Finished
2. Isolation
4. Boredom
Frustration
Safety Net = Supervisor
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5. Rollercoasters do not suit me!!
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6. Rollercoaster of Emotions Transition from student to researcher
1. Euphoria
4. First Job
6. Moving On
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting
5. Insecurities Rejection
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7. 1. Euphoria
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8. Rollercoaster of Emotions Transition from student to researcher
1. Euphoria
4. First Job
6. Moving On
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting
5. Insecurities Rejection
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9. 2. Tiredness
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10. Rollercoaster of Emotions Transition from student to researcher
1. Euphoria
4. First Job
6. Moving On
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting
5. Insecurities Rejection
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11. 3. Job Hunting
Suddenly realise that you are all alone in the big wide world and it’s time to get a job!
The world may be your oyster but you still have to go after the opportunities and this can be a scary and difficult journey
Use your networks (PhD)
Apply for related jobs – tailor your work and get good at selling your work
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12. Rollercoaster of Emotions Transition from student to researcher
1. Euphoria
4. First Job
6. Moving On
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting
5. Insecurities Rejection
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13. 4. First Post-doc Job Started at the end of the PhD
Short-term contracts (post-doc)
Independence
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14. Rollercoaster of Emotions Transition from student to researcher
1. Euphoria
4. First Job
6. Moving On
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting
5. Insecurities Rejection
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15. 5. Insecurities/Rejections
Do I deserve title of ‘Dr’?
Similar insecurities as with PhD
new skills/knowledge
Supervisor
Rejections
What Really Counts:
Funding grants
Publications
Collaboration
Invited presentations
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16. Rollercoaster of Emotions Transition from student to researcher
1. Euphoria
4. First Job
6. Moving On
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting
5. Insecurities Rejection
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17. Nature Careers (3rd, February 2011)
6. Moving On
Move onto next job/project
On your way
Not at this stage yet
Nature Careers (3rd, February 2011)
‘Taking The Plunge’
Laura Bonetta
Many life scientists complete more than one postdoc before finding a permanent position.
Career position
Additional training
Interests
Lack of funding (project money)
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18. Theresa’s Top Tips 1 Start job applications early
Start the publishing process early
Develop a thick skin
Keep in touch with your contacts from your PhD and expand on this network
Try and get involved in all you can
Keep your independence
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19. Theresa’s Top Tips 2 Get involved in a mentoring scheme
Attend training events – research/development (continuing skills)
MOST IMPORTANTLY
Enjoy your experience and the transition
You will miss being a PhD student
Reflect on your journey
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20. Useful Websites for Researchers
Vitae (section for researchers)
UK Research Staff Association
Postgraduate Toolbox (
Postgraduate Forum ( eSupport=1)
Graduate Junction (
Post Doc Career Initiative (
UK MentorSET (
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21. Email: T.Mercer@hull.ac.uk
Any questions?