91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ

EVENTS TAILORED FOR DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

Our PhD Futures central programme of events, tailored for PhD students, continues with the sessions listed below.  These are added to each term.

Doctoral Researchers are also welcome to attend any event organised by Careers Network, including careers fairs, employer presentations and workshops.  Please scroll down to see our upcoming GET HIRED events, open to all students.

 

PhD Futures:  PhD Fellowship Applications >  

Tuesday 1 December 2026: 1.00pm-2.00pm - Online  

Whether you're a budding researcher or a seasoned academic, this session is your guide to understanding, applying for, and successfully obtaining fellowships. 

 

PhD Futures:  Beyond your degree:  Pathways, People and Possibilities >  

Wednesday 9 December 2026: 1.00pm-2.00pm - room TBC  

This event will: 

• Give postgrads exposure to a range of career and sector pathways beyond their degree
• Highlight relevant opportunities such as KTPs, alumni networks, and industry partnerships
• Create space for genuine, informal interaction between students and speakers
• Foster a sense of postgraduate community and belonging
• Signpost students to support structures in one joined-up, accessible event

 

Get Hired!

A series of practical workshops open to all students to support your job hunting and career planning.

Get Hired:  How to make your applications stand out >  

Tuesday 20 October 2026: 1.00pm-3.00pm - room TBC - In person 

First impressions count! Employers receive hundreds of applications. How can you make sure yours stands out?  

 

Get Hired:  How to use AI effectively in your applications >  

Thursday 22 October 2026: 1.00pm-2.00pm - EHB 0.01 - In person 

AI is changing our world.  How can you ensure you harness this effectively to explore your career options and excel in applications and interviews? 

 

Get Hired:  How to impress at interviews >  

Thursday 29 October 2026: 1.00pm-3.00pm - B 0.07 - In person 

This session will cover: 

• The various formats of interviews and the question types you might encounter. 

• The differences between good interview answers and bad ones. 

• Demonstration of our online tools that can help you with your interview performance. 

• A segment on practising your interview responses and techniques in a safe environment with other students. 

• Further support and Q & A. 

 

Get Hired:  How to tackle online tests >  

Wednesday 11 November 2026: 1.00pm-3.00pm - SMB 1.09 - In person 

Applying for a graduate job, placement or internship? Many employers now use online tests as part of their recruitment process. Knowing what to expect can make a huge difference to your success.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Identify common types of employer online tests
• Understand why employers use them
• Develop strategies to improve your performance
• Practise sample questions

 

Get Hired:  How to become an entrepreneur >  

Thursday 12 November 2026: 1.00pm-2.00pm - Online 

Discover the boundless possibilities and support available through the 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Enterprise Network. 

 

Get Hired:  How to build professional connections >  

Wednesday 18 November 2026: 1.00pm-2.00pm - WAV 0.37 - In person  

Building a strong professional network can open doors to opportunities, insights, and connections that support your career development. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your existing network, understanding how to build meaningful professional relationships is an essential career skill.

 

Copies of the Career Route Planner for Doctoral Researchers can be picked up between 11 and 3 on weekdays in term time from our Careers Hub in EHB 2.03.

A digital version is also available on the app.

The planner takes your through each stage of your PhD journey and identifies what steps you can take to consider, plan and prepare for your next career steps.

Top tips for writing your application or CV

• Analyse the job description and person specification
• Identify the key requirements
• Start writing in the order of the requirements for the job (person spec, referring back to job description)
• Provide evidence, not just statements eg. “Gained excellent oral communication skills from presenting at conferences”, or “received positive feedback from delegates when I explained complex technical information clearly” rather than “I have oral excellent communication skills”
• Use STAR(R) to answer skills/competency based questions.
• Make it easy for the reader to find the information they are seeking – eg. use their words, provide signposts, use clear headings.
• Double check against the job description and person specification to see if anything has been missed?
• Ask for feedback – from your Careers Coach, friends, colleagues or potential employers. You will received different opinions, but remember it is your application/CV, so you can choose which suggestions to incorporate.
• Proof read, proof read and proof read.

Academic applications

Guidance and examples are available on  

Covering letters for academic jobs

Access useful ebooks from 

Applications for industry/commercial sector

Follow the suggestions above, but also:

• Describe your experience in their language
• Demonstrate your commercial awareness
• Use the STAR(R) technique

More useful information is available from . 

Interview Preparation

Whatever the context, you should prepare:

• Yourself - review yo CV and your application form.
• Your knowledge of the organisation - what are their strengths, how does their business fit with your background and expertise, who are their competitors?
• Your knowledge of the position - what can you offer, what skills and experience do you have which make you a winning candidate.

Academic Interviews

• Expect to meet academics from the department and at least one from another research field – find out all you can about those on the interview panel, the research team and the institution.
• Refer to the job description to identify key requirements – you will be asked questions about these. You can draft answers to skills based questions in advance using The STAR(R) Technique.‌
• Questions will focus on your research to date, your teaching experience, what technical or specialist knowledge you have, your administrative ability, and how you see your research developing in the future.
• Increasingly academic roles request experience of sourcing funding, publications and conference attendance – prepare and practise answers to these questions so that you look comfortable answering them.
• You may be required to give a presentation on a set topic - bear in mind the audience and ensure the presentation is at an appropriate level of detail.
• In preparation, talk to lecturers in your department about their interview experiences and use this information to inform and improve your interview performance.

Typical academic interview questions could include:

• What interests you most about your research?
• Describe how you typically approach a project.
• What problems have arisen and how have you resolved these?
• If you could change your research in any way, what would you change?
• How would your supervisor evaluate your work?
• What methodologies have you chosen and why?
• To what extent is your research a team project?
• Where does your research fit in with other work in this area?

Moving into industry/commercial sector

• Telephone interviews are becoming more popular for initial screening
• Second interviews may include assessment activities, eg. online tests, group exercise, presentation, as well as a panel interview
• Refer to the job description to identify key requirements – you will be asked questions about these. You can draft answers to skills based questions in advance using The STAR(R) technique.‌
• Review your application and CV – this has resulted in your interview invitation, the panel will want to know more about what you have said on your application, do not be tempted to provide a lot of new information.
• If you are asked to give a presentation, bear in mind the audience and ensure the presentation is at an appropriate level of detail.
• When moving sectors it is vitally important to have a good knowledge of the job roles, the organisations, their competitors and a reasonable level of commercial awareness.
• You will need to provide convincing answers to questions about your reasons for wanting to move sectors and give examples explaining your transferable skills.
• Strengthen your answers by explaining how what you have to offer benefits the organisation.

Questions you ask the panel

If you’ve done sufficient research you will have identified some questions, the answers to which will help you make up your mind about whether the job is for you, if you are offered it. Asking some questions of the panel shows interest and that you have done your research.

You might want to ask:

• about training once you are in the post. 
• how the company/research unit sees itself developing.
• how many other researchers/staff will be in your unit.
• what sorts of opportunities there might be for secondment to other departments.
• what would be the main tasks expected in the first six months.

It is not appropriate to ask questions about holiday entitlement and benefits at this stage.

Career planning resources

 - provides training and development for researchers and the research support community. Of particular interest are:

 - provides a large range of ebooks supporting career development of researchers whether staying in academia or transitioning beyond.

- a comprehensive map that outlines the key steps you need to take on your journey towards successful career development, helping you navigate through the various stages and actions required to achieve your career goals.

- a comprehensive toolkit providing support at each stage of the career planning process.

Research Council websites

• - UK Research and Innovation works in partnership with universities, research organisations, businesses, charities, and government to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish
• - Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC)  
• - Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• - Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• - Economics & Social Research Council (ESRC)
• - Medical Research Council (MRC)
• - Natural Environment Research Council
• - Science and Technology Facilities Council

Professional / Higher Education related websites

• - European-wide federation representing doctoral candidates and junior researchers at a European level in matters of education, research, and professional development of their careers.
• - information for research staff of the University and College Union website.
• - electronic discussion list with on-line resources for researchers.

Sector specific resources

• – food & drink federation with searchable employer section.
• The Science magazine contains articles, case studies, careers advice and links to vacancy sources for scientists.
• - The MSCA are the European Union’s flagship funding programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training of researchers. 
• – United Nations Environment Programme - Biodiversity and conservation organisations.
• - UK Science Park Association.

Moving into careers beyond academia

• - to research Careers Outside Academia

Vacancy websites

Postgraduate and academic-focused job sites in the UK

• Find a PhD -  - Database of postdoc and university jobs, also details of Masters, PhDs and Professional doctorates.
• Find a Post Doc.com - - Searchable database for postdoctoral research opportunities. 
• Jobs.ac.uk -  - International job listings for academics, administrators, support staff, researchers and technicians.
• PhD Jobs -  - A dedicated website for PhD holding job searchers in the UK. Includes: searchable jobs vacancy list, CV posting, recruiter profiles and newsletters.
• Prospects.ac.uk -  - The UK's main graduate careers website containing vacancy information, links to international recruitment websites and general help with CVs, covering letters and interview preparation.
• Recruitment & Employment Confederation -   provides links to recruitment agencies across the UK, includes a search function. 
• Research Gate -  - offers tools tailored to researchers' needs. You can find new research contacts of people performing in the same field or in different fields using the same techniques as you do. Research Gate connects researchers and information.
• Research is Cool -  - A jobs database (UK & international) for early career researchers. Includes information on funding opportunities.
• Science Recruitment Group -  - specialises in vacancies within the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industries.
• The Times Higher Education Supplement -  -  includes academic and academic-related vacancies within academic institutions.

Jobs and postdoctoral positions in Europe

• Academic Jobs EU.com -  - is an independent company with the sole objective of facilitating recruitment and providing career related services to European Academic Institutions.
• Association Bernard Gregory (ABG) -  - is for anyone who obtained a PhD in the last six years and who is looking for employment in France, Belgium, UK and Japan.
• Association of Common Wealth Universities -  - A site search for 'vacancies' providing links to sites for seeking job opportunities in Commonwealth universities.
• European Science Foundation -  - includes social sciences and humanities.
• European Space Agency -  - postdoctoral research fellowship programmes in a variety of disciplines related to space science, space applications or space technology.
• International Unit -  - Global Opportunities for UK Higher Education designed to encourage students and scholars to spend time in higher education institutions in countries other than their own.
• Researchers Mobility Portal -  - for researchers looking for work in Europe. Provides job vacancies, a section for posting your CV and a range of other career resources. Includes a link for a similar portal for Canada.

Jobs and postdoctoral positions in the USA

• After College -  - Career network for college students and recent graduates (first degree and grad students). You can browse by industry and location for PhD and postdoctoral opportunities. US and Canadian focus but includes jobs overseas. Has wizards for salary and cost of living.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science -   dedicated to careers (academic and otherwise) in science. You can get information and advice on issues like funding and career planning as well as vacancies and opportunities for funding, postdoctoral research opportunities and jobs.
• Post Doc Jobs -    searchable vacancy list, information about scholarships and fellowships. Very comprehensive section on writing resumes.

Jobs and postdoctoral positions in the Rest of the World

• Association of Commonwealth Universities -  - A site search for 'vacancies' providing links to sites for seeking job opportunities in Commonwealth universities.
• Australian Research Council -  - funds fellowships for researchers at postdoctoral level to undertake research of national and international significance, and to broaden their research experience.
• Careers in Africa- - brings together high calibre graduates, MBA’s and professionals seeking careers in Africa with leading multinational and regional companies.
• - International job listings for academics, administrators, support staff, researchers and technicians.
• Prospects.ac.uk -The UK's main graduate careers website. - The Country Guides are a useful resource if you are thinking of working overseas or for international students returning to their home country. - Main resource page for investigating work or study abroad.
• World Bank - - Careers Home page & Job Vacancies (via FAQs or Search function).
• World Health Organisation (WHO)   - The 'Employment' link on home page leads to a page of jobs in which the latest vacancies appear furthest down the page. 'Programmes' lists all divisions and offices of WHO, along with current programmes.

Labour Market / Employer Surveys

• - The Warwick Institute for Employment Research is one of Europe's leading centres for research in the labour market field.
• - The Institute for Employment Studies is an independent, national centre of expertise on productivity, manpower planning and labour market change.
• - good country-specific labour market information.  

      

91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Careers Network is not responsible for the content or accessibility of external links. A link from our website does not imply endorsement.