Post-Academic Careers Month
Our annual Post-Academic Careers Fair took place virtually over the month of November 2020. This event builds upon our Post-Academic Careers database which aims to raise awareness of the various jobs available to life science researchers and the skills required for these roles. Watch this space for updates on the next fair which will take place in Autumn 2021.
01
Electv Workshop: Careers Beyond Academia: Applying your Skills Outside of Academia
Join Jo Young from Electv for this informative workshop exploring the numerous options that are open to PhD graduates outside of academia and what particular options might be compatible with individuals. At the end of this workshop participants will have:
- A clear understanding of their transferable skills and how to communicate these on their CV and in an interview situation;
- An understanding of how to present themselves and be visible online;
- An overview of a range of non-academic career options
Date: Monday 9th November
Time: 09:30 – 12:30
Further Information: this workshop will be run via Zoom. Spaces are limited so please register in advance.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED


02
My Consultants Workshop: Identifying Existing Skills Relevant to Industry, Government and the Third-Party Sector
Join Dr Robin Henderson from My Consultants for his thought-provoking workshop to help you identify your existing skills which are relevant to industry, government and third-party sectors. You’ll be surprised at how many skills you already possess!
Date: Wednesday 11th November
Time: 14:00 – 16:30
Further Information: this workshop will be run via Zoom and includes a 20 minute break. Spaces are limited so please register in advance.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
03
LSMA Workshop: Commercialising your Research: Lean Start-Up for Life Scientists
- Why the traditional market plans used by large, established organisations are unlikely to work for new, innovative ideas
- The key principle for approaching a market with a new innovation
- How this reliably informs go to market plans, product or service development work and applications for funding
Date: Tuesday 17th November
Time: 19:00 – 21:00 (including a break at 8pm)
Further Information: this workshop will be run via Zoom. Spaces are extremely limited so please register in advance. This session is for academics who are looking to broaden their career and increase their opportunities for research funding by commercialising their ideas, within or outwith the University.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED


04
Vivomotion Workshop: Data Visualisation and Information Design
Join Dr Mhairi Towler from Vivomotion for this exciting workshop which will serve as an introduction to data visualisation and information design. By the end of the workshop you should be able to:
- Know the design process involved in creating a data visualisation/infographic
- Access several online tools available for data visualisation
- Design novel data visualisations/infographics for your research topic
Date: Wednesday 18th November
Time: 09:30 – 12:30
Further Information: this workshop will be run via Zoom. Spaces are very limited so please register in advance.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
05
My Consultants Workshop: CV Building Process
Join Dr Robin Henderson from My Consultants for his CV Building Process workshop and learn some tips and tricks to enhance your CV and make it stand out!
Date: Thursday 19th November
Time: 10:00 – 12:30
Further Information: this workshop will be run via Zoom and includes a 20 minute break. Spaces are limited so please register in advance.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED


06
LSMA Workshop: Preparing for a Commercial Career in Life Sciences
Alix Mackay, Director of The Life Sciences Marketing Academy, will share the skills and capabilities that have had the biggest impact throughout her 20 years in commercial leadership roles in the life sciences and healthcare industries. Today Alix recruits scientists into commercial roles for clients and regularly sees that, even if you don’t yet know what type of position you want, there are a number of relevant skills you can develop, practice and document in your current academic role that will put you on the front foot in an interview. This workshop will show you:
- The factors critical to a successful commercial career
- Behaviours that can be learnt and practiced in your current role
- How to gain relevant experience whilst managing your academic work
Time: 19:00 – 21:00 (including a break at 8pm)
Further Information: this workshop will be run via Zoom. Spaces are limited so please register in advance.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
07
LSMA Workshop: An Introduction to Inbound Marketing for Life Scientists
Join Alix Mackay, Director of The Life Sciences Marketing Academy, for this workshop aimed at academics preparing for a commercial career or planning to commercialise their research, this session will introduce the practice of Inbound Marketing; the framework for attracting people to your offering rather than pushing messages and adverts out to them. The Inbound approach provides an evidence-based system for increasing your presence in the market, generating interest and building your thought leadership – without the need for big budgets. This workshop will show you:
- How business buyers make purchasing decisions
- The Inbound framework that enables you to align a market strategy with business buying behaviour
- The 6 Factors critical to successful implementation
Date: Tuesday 24th November
Time: 19:00 – 21:00 (including a break at 8pm)
Further Information: this workshop will be run via Zoom. Spaces are very limited so please register in advance.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED


08
Electv Workshop: Networking for Researchers: Strategy & Engaging
Join Dr Joanna Young from Electv for her networking workshop which focuses on how to establish a network and build it to support your career and aims. You will cover networking strategies, engagement methods and how to “pitch” yourself and/or your ideas. At the end of the workshop participants will have:
- A networking strategy that they can implement directly after the workshop;
- Been introduced to a range of networking techniques;
- An understanding of how they can use their online networking to support their offline efforts
Date: Wednesday 25th November
Time: 13:30 – 16:30
Further Information: this workshop will be run via Zoom. Spaces are limited so please register in advance.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
09
The Power of Storytelling: presenting with impact
Join Dr Ana Payo-Payo from the University of Aberdeen for this impactful workshop! For science to shape people’s actions, it needs to be communicated effectively. Storytelling is an ancient tradition, yet it is one of the most powerful means that scientists have to influence, teach, and inspire. Find out what’s important to create engaging stories and engage people with science.
During the workshop, you will develop storytelling skills, discuss and practice how to better interact and pitch your messages to different audiences. Topics covered will include:
- Understanding your audience
- Organising ideas and telling interesting stories
- Story-telling techniques
- Dos and don’ts when preparing your presentations
- Let’s practice!
Date: Monday 30th November
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Further Information: this workshop will be run via Zoom and includes a 20 minute break. Spaces are limited so please register in advance.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

my job sessions
Learn more about the career paths of those working in Entrepreneurship, Industry, Policy and Non-Researcher University Roles first hand by joining our Q&A panel sessions.
01
Industry
Panel Members:
- Dr Stephanie Boyle – Senior Data Instructor and Data Team Lead, CodeClan
- Dr Lisa Kelly – Medical Writer, Mudskipper
- James McIntosh – Sales Development Specialist, Merck
- Dr Deborah O’Neil – CEO, Novabiotics
Date: Monday 23rd November
Time: 10:00 – 11:30
Details: Zoom Q&A panel session
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED


02
Non-Researcher University Roles
Panel Members:
- Dr Allison Jackson – Head of Research Operations (Research & Innovation Services), University of Glasgow
- Dr Mhairi Stewart – Head of Public Engagement with Research, University of St Andrews
- Dr Jessica Valli – Facility Manager, Edinburgh Super Resolution Imaging Consortium
Date: Monday 23rd November
Time: 14:00 – 15:30
Details: Zoom Q&A panel session
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
03
Entrepreneurship
Panel Members:
- Dr Jillian Couto-Phoenix – Founder, Couto Phoenix Consulting
- Dr Derek Gilchrist – Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Causeway Therapeutics
- Pooja Jain – Co-Founder and CEO, CogniHealth
- Dr Mhairi Towler – Founder and CEO, Vivomotion
Date: Tuesday 24th November
Time: 10:00 – 11:30
Details: Zoom Q&A panel session
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED


04
Policy
Panel Members:
- Dr Diego Benedict Baptista – Diversity and Inclusion Adviser on Research Culture, Wellcome
- Professor Rory Duncan – Director for Talent and Skills, UKRI
- Dr Alicia Greated – CEO, KTN
Date: Tuesday 24th November
Time: 15:30 – 17:00
Details: Zoom Q&A panel session
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
post-academic careers database
Don’t forget to check out our post-academic careers database covering a wide variety of roles and career journeys!