1. Postdoctoral Researcher
A Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) is an individual who has completed their PhD and is engaged in further research and training under the supervision of a Senior Scientist or Professor.
Responsibilities vary depending on the field, but Postdocs generally conduct independent research projects, collaborate with other researchers, publish papers in academic journals, and present their findings at conferences. They may also contribute to grant writing and mentor graduate or undergraduate students.
Postdoctoral positions serve as a bridge between the PhD and a permanent academic or industry position (which can be difficult to attain if your PhD contains little to no publications). They allow Postdocs to deepen their expertise, develop new skills, establish a professional network, and gain valuable research experience.
2. Teaching Fellow
This role is ideal for those who prefer teaching over research. As a Teaching Fellow you will be responsible for assisting in module instruction (lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions), grading, module development, student support, and project supervision.
When advertised, the essential criteria for a Teaching Fellow are typically lower than lecturing positions. In some cases, a PhD in a relevant discipline is only desirable, and your research background will not be judged in the same way as more senior academic positions.
It is worth noting that Teaching Fellow roles do not have the same levels of progression that lecturing has. Progression traditionally leads to a Senior Teaching Fellow position which comes with more responsibility and administrative duties. However, many Teaching Fellows can transition into a lecturing role through gained experience and an increased research profile.
3. Assistant Lecturer/Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
As a Lecturer you will complete the same teaching duties as outlined in the previous Teaching Fellow section. However, you will also be expected to contribute to research activities within your institution, as well as bring in research funding through your grant applications.
There are different lecturing roles which you will see advertised, so it is important to quickly break down the expectation levels for each position.
Assistant Lecturer – This role has a similar criteria list to Teaching Fellow positions, and is a common route for PhD students to enter academia (some people even work as an Assistant Lecturer before or during their PhD). You will not be expected to have an extensive research background, but an intent to contribute to the department’s research will be anticipated.
Lecturer – Some PhD graduates go straight into a Lecturer role, but foundations will have been laid during the PhD. Successful applicants will have already gained varied teaching experience, published several articles in their field, and possibly gained exposure to generating research income.
Senior Lecturer – It is very rare for a PhD graduate to instantly become a Senior Lecturer. A Senior Lecturer is expected to have previously worked as a module leader, contributed significantly to a research field, and demonstrated a good track record of generating research income. You are more likely to apply for Senior Lecturer positions 3-5 years into your lecturing career, so be realistic!
4. Student Support
Working at a university after your PhD does not just mean teaching and research. There is scope to support students in other ways, and they often have a better work-life balance! Here are some examples:
Academic Skills Adviser: Most universities will provide online and face-to-face support services for students seeking help with academic writing and statistics. As an Academic Skills Adviser, you can use the skills developed as PhD student to guide undergraduate and postgraduate students through their assignments and upcoming examinations.
Careers Support: You could support the next generation as a Careers Adviser or Placements Coordinator (among other roles). Careers Specialists assist students with career exploration, job search strategies, CV and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and networking. They may also provide guidance on postgraduate applications and professional development opportunities.
Student Success Coach: Student Success Coaches are hired by universities to act as mentors to students: identifying challenges, setting goals, and developing personalised strategies for academic and personal success. In this role you would provide support, encouragement, and accountability to help students overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
5. Administration
Do you have an eye for detail? Perhaps administration roles are right for you! Below are a few to consider:
Admissions Officer: Do you want to support students with the gateway to university? Admissions Officers review university applications, conduct information sessions, and assist prospective students throughout the admissions process.
Financial Aid Officer: You can make a real difference to students by providing information on scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance. Further duties include completing financial aid applications and determining eligibility for aid.
Human Resources Specialist: Human Resources Specialists handle employee recruitment, hiring, benefits administration, payroll processing, employee relations, and training and development programs for university staff and faculty.
Student Activities Coordinator: This is a great role if you enjoy planning! Student Activities Coordinators plan and organise social, cultural, and recreational activities and events for students. Examples include knowledge exchange trips, networking events, student conferences, and residential stays.
Final Thoughts
Remember that this is merely a list of some of the roles you can pursue in academia. Plenty more exist in a university setting, and we haven’t even got to the copious opportunities outside of academia!
Show a curiosity for careers throughout your PhD. Do your own research online, read job advertisements, and book a session with the careers department at your institution. Attack this early into your PhD so you can develop a clearer idea of your future plans (and minimise stress later down the road).
