Post-Academic Career Mentorship & Advice Network (PACMAN)
Are you considering stepping away from academia? Wondering what else is out there for you? NERD’s Post-Academic Career Mentorship & Advice Network (PACMAN) can help! Fill in this form and we will match you to a mentor who has already made the switch to your next dream job.
We also have a PACMAN Networking Event taking place on the 16th March at 12.30pm at the Grosvenor Hotel – places are limited, so email to find out more or book your ticket.
Career Planning & Support
One of the main aims of NERD is to provide a source of information to early career researchers within IIIs and ICAMS to support your career development. Here you will find a range of information to aid ECR career development.
It is important that this page fulfils the needs of NERD members, so if you would like to suggest content please e-mail cams-iii-nerd-committee@lists.cent.gla.ac.uk
University of Glasgow support for planning your scientific career
One Stop Shop for ECRs. The recently launched 'one stop shop' for researcher development should be your first port of call. This is a handy resource with links to personal, professional and career development training for research staff.
Researcher Development for Early-Career staff. The Research Strategy and Innovation Office (RSIO) provides a range of training, development, network and support opportunities for ECRs through their 'Researcher Development' scheme. In addition to providing courses for researcher development (see the courses section), they provide an ECR hub which includes details of the Annual Research Staff Conference, Postdoctoral Researcher Forum, and Research Networks.
Athena Swan. The Athena Swan pages for IIIs and ICAMS provide an excellent source of information for ECRs, including details of mentorship schemes and HR policy on maternity/paternity/adoption leave, as well as Athena Swan initiatives that specifically benefit ECRs.
Considering your scientific career options
Careers service. The Careers Service employs a Careers Adviser, Katrina Gardner, to provide career development support for Research Students and Early Career Researchers (research assistants and associates, post-docs and research fellows). The Careers Adviser can support you in your career progression in academia and into the many other career sectors open to you. In addition to providing advice on job seeking and applications, the careers service can help to prepare you for interview by providing mock interview sessions.
National Science Board data on careers of doctorates. This interactive infographic helps you to 'envision your career' by providing data on the diverse pathways travelled by science, engineering, and health doctorates as they progress through their careers. This resource includes information about gender and job satisfaction, and recently appeared in a Science article.
NERD resources available on scientific career options
Check out the NERD resources available to help with planning your scientific career!
Planning your non-academic scientific career
MRC Interactive Career Framework. This interactive tool provides information on career and funding opportunities for biomedical scientists in academia and industry.
National Science Board data on careers of doctorates. This interactive infographic helps you to 'envision your career' by providing data on the diverse pathways travelled by science, engineering, and health doctorates as they progress through their careers. This resource includes information about gender and job satisfaction, and recently appeared in a Science article.
Transitioning to Industry
Thinking of transitioning to Industry? The cheekyscientist.com has resources, blogs and success stories to help!