Your PhD...what next? : Academic careers

Is it right for me?

Many people start their PhD thinking that they will continue with a career in academia, whereas in fact only a relatively small proportion of PhDs end up in long-term academic careers (think about the number of PhD students at your institution, compared with the number of lecturers). The following will help you decide whether a career in academia is right for you.

Career progression

Academic career progression varies between arts/humanities and science subjects. In the arts and humanities, a PhD may be followed by postdoctoral research, and then a lectureship, although in some cases it may be possible to obtain a lectureship after completing a PhD. Once in post, promotion to senior lecturer, reader and professor may follow.

In the sciences the typical career path requires the completion of two or three postdoctoral research positions, usually followed by an independent research fellowship. Then, subject to a good publications record, you may apply for a lectureship, where promotion to senior lecturer, reader and professor may follow.

Typical academic salaries

• Postdoctoral researcher: £29,000 - £35,000
• Independent research fellow: £35,000 - £44,000
• Lecturer: £35,000 - £44,000
• Senior lecturer: £46,000 - £52,000
• Reader: £45,000 - £55,000
• Professor: £53,000 plus

Roles and responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will take full responsibility for the management of your research, and may hold additional responsibilities such as the supervision of PhD and undergraduate students, and the management of technicians. You should be expanding your publications list and building your networks, identifying potential collaborators.

As a lecturer your time will be divided between managing research, teaching and performing various administrative activities required by your department. Many new lecturers miss actually doing their research, as the role is more managerial - your team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers carry out the majority of the research work. You will need to apply for funding, and to attend conferences, building collaborations with researchers at other institutions.

Working hours

Working hours in academia are long, especially at the beginning of your career. However, most universities offer flexible working, and as long as you are present to fulfill your scheduled commitments you may complete the rest of the work in the hours to suit you.

Skills and characteristics required to be successful

• Passion for your research- you will need to be enthusiastic about what you do, and instil this passion in everyone that you teach, supervise and communicate with.
• Organisational skills - the academic workload is heavy and varied, and you’ll need excellent organisational skills to keep on top of it all.
• People skills- despite the stereotypes that exist, you’ll actually need excellent people skills to make it in academia. You will also need to be constantly building your network of peers around the world, as well as working with students in your own institution. You are likely to act as a pastoral supervisor too, and may be faced with challenging issues brought to you by students in your care.
• Communication skills - as an academic you will be continually writing reports and grant applications, and delivering lectures and presentations.
• Willingness to work long hours - the academic workload is large and you will need to be prepared to put in the hours to get through it all.
• Administrative skills- with an increasing amount of paperwork, meetings to organise, students’ work to mark, and grants to write, you will need excellent administrative skills.
• Self-motivation - without a manager looking over your shoulder, you will need the motivation to manage your workload yourself.
• Teamworking - you will be frequently asked to contribute to activities that are beyond your own research, but are for the greater good of the department or the university.

Improving your chances

1. Publish - you will be judged on your publications record so make sure you publish as much as you can, in the highest quality journals.
2. Gain teaching experience - by getting involved with tutorials and lecturing.
3. Network - make sure that you know, and have met, the big names and potential collaborators in your field.
4. Be passionate about your research - make sure you can say why your research is important and fundable.
5. Develop administrative and management skills - take on responsibilities such as managing project students, holding a budget or sitting on university committees.