Blog
Handy bits of advice and thoughts on careers
Finding your red thread: writing funding applications
What is the red thread and why does my fellowship / grant / article need one? A red thread essentially is a theme or a key phrase that links or weaves all the way through whatever we’re writing, especially if we’re thinking fellowships and grants. Where does red...
How do I write like a pro? A postdoc’s guide
If I could wave my postdoc agony aunt wand, it would be to fix people’s writing issues. I’m not sure why this is such a challenge for people, but the struggle is real! People either can’t find time for writing, don’t know how to get started, get stuck, think that they...
How do I make the leap to lectureship? A postdoc’s guide
Are you a postdoc or fellow looking to make the lectureship leap? What do you need to know to become a lecturer? Other than your subject, that is What type of lectureship? All universities are different, especially in the UK with its heady mix of ancient and...
How do I make a skills based CV? A researcher’s guide
Have you heard of a skills based CV? Can postdocs use a skills based CV? When should researchers use it in their job hunting? Let’s do traditional Traditionally, most people have a chronologically based CV. You'll have your name at the top and then have your...
The resilient postdoc: building your resilience muscles
Being a postdoc is tough. I know! But there are ways in which we can develop our resilience beyond the simple 'what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger." A cut throat job market. Short term contracts. That evil reviewer #2. Being a postdoc requires resilience not only...
How do I choose a mentor? A postdoc’s guide
Choosing a mentor comes up a lot when I'm talking to postdocs. Either they come to me and say, “Oh, I need a mentor”, but haven't really got an idea what that might involve. Or their situation is making me think “you need a mentor”. I’m going to lay everything out...
