Navigating the Academic Job Market
A series of events for PhDs and Postdocs to support you to explore next steps in academia. Including a live virtual keynote panel discussion "Staying in Academia” alongside bespoke careers workshops for researchers and a selection of key resources.
Postdocs: If you haven’t signed up to Handshake yet and would like to register for any of these events, complete this short registration form on Qualtrics and we’ll set up your personal Careers Service Handshake account:
For more information
Developing your academic career
Tuesday 4th November, 2025, 13:00-14:00
Online
Designed for PhD students and postdocs considering their next steps in academia, this session will explore the UK academic career path, understand what institutions look for beyond good quality research and identify practical steps you can take to support your academic career progression. Whether you're just starting out or preparing for a lectureship, this session will help you think strategically about your development and take confident steps forward.
Applications for Faculty Positions
Monday 10th November 2025, 12.30-13.30
Online
This workshop for postdocs is an introduction to structuring and tailoring your documents for faculty positions; we will cover the purpose of the key documents for your academic applications – cover letters, academic CVs, research statements and teaching statements - and some top tips for completing them.
Wednesday 12th November, 12.00-13.00
In-person
Postdocs at the Biomedical campus are welcome to join us for this short, lunchtime workshop, for a practical introduction to the different application documents required for faculty applications. We'll consider together the purpose of the various documents and learn how to get prepared for writing them. We'll also connect you with information and support for funding applications.
Tuesday 18th November 2025, 13:00-14:15
Online
If you're working on Fellowship or funding applications, you are likely to be asked to complete a Narrative CV. Aiming to measure a wide range of contributions to research, innovation and academic leadership, Narrative CVs require a different approach to the standard academic CV.
Panel Discussion: Staying in Academia
Tuesday 27th November 2025, 12.30-13.45
Online
This panel discussion with academics will address key considerations for Postdocs and PhDs thinking about positioning themselves in a competitive academic job market. It will address particularly the challenges in navigating and planning for uncertainty.
Interviews for faculty positions
Tuesday 2nd December 2025, 14:00-15:00
Online
This workshop is for postdocs who are preparing for interviews for academic faculty positions (lectureships, assistant professorships, PI, group leader). Congratulations – you have been invited for an academic interview! Once the excitement has settled, the prospect may seem daunting – what can you expect? What will the panel look for? How do you show your fit for the role and make yourself memorable?
Career Essentials for PhDs & Postdocs
Academic application toolkit: bespoke advice to address all aspects of the Academic application process.
Navigating the Academic Job Market: a YouTube playlist of essential information about the academic job market