Postgraduate researchers

Finding Research and Career Opportunities 

Some opportunities are advertised openly, while others emerge through conversations, networking, collaborations, or simply exploring organisations and sectors that interest you. 

You may be considering:

• An academic research career. 
• Roles linked to your specialist subject knowledge.  

• Careers where you apply the broader skills developed during your doctorate.  

• Opportunities in sectors you have not explored before.  

Wherever you are starting from, it can help to think broadly and stay curious. 

What to ask yourself 

• What kinds of work do I enjoy most?  

• Do I want to stay close to my research topic, or am I more interested in using my skills in a different context?  

• What problems do I enjoy solving?  

• What environments or sectors appeal to me?  

• What do I want more of in my future work — impact, collaboration, creativity, autonomy, stability, variety?  

You do not need all the answers before you begin exploring opportunities. 

Use different approaches to find opportunities 

Search both broadly and specifically. Try searching not only by your research area, but also by your skills and interests. 

For example:

• Could your experience in data analysis apply outside academia?  

• Could your communication or stakeholder engagement skills transfer into policy, consulting, publishing, healthcare, charities, or industry?  

• What job titles are used outside universities for the kind of work you already do?  

Researchers often underestimate how transferable their experience is. 

Explore organisations directly 

Are there organisations whose work genuinely interests you? 

These could include – 

• Research institutes.  

• NHS organisations.  

• Charities and non-governmental organisations.  

• Government departments.  

• Think tanks.  

• Museums and cultural organisations.  

• Start-ups and innovation companies.  

• Large employers in your field.  

Many opportunities are shared first through organisational websites, newsletters, LinkedIn posts, or professional networks rather than major job boards. 

Talk to people 

Networking can feel intimidating, but often it is simply about having conversations and learning from others. 

Ask yourself:

• Who is already doing work I find interesting?  

• Are there alumni, speakers, collaborators, or contacts I could speak to?  

• Could I attend a conference, event, webinar, or networking session?  

• Could I ask someone for a short informational conversation about their role or career path?  

These conversations can help you discover hidden opportunities, understand sectors more clearly, and build confidence in exploring new directions. 

Be open to opportunities that are not advertised 

Not all opportunities appear as formal vacancies. Sometimes opportunities emerge through:

• Research collaborations.  

• Consultancy or freelance projects.  

• Internships or short-term projects.  

• Speculative applications.  

• Professional communities and networks.  

• Recommendations from others.  

If you are interested in a particular organisation or area, it can be worth reaching out and expressing your interest, especially in smaller organisations or emerging fields. 

Build your visibility 

People are more likely to think of you for opportunities if they can see your interests, skills, and expertise. 

This could include:

• Keeping your LinkedIn profile updated.  

• Sharing projects, publications, or reflections.  

• Attending events and engaging in discussions.  

• Being an active participant in professional communities.  

• Presenting your work or contributing to collaborative projects.  

Remember, opportunity searching is exploratory 

You do not need a fully mapped-out career plan before you begin. Many researchers discover new interests and pathways through the process of exploring, talking to people, and testing ideas. 

The goal is not only to find opportunities — it is also to better understand what kinds of work, environments, and futures might suit you.

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