QMPC26 - Table 3 - Normalising Career Conversations by Rui Pires Martins

rpmartins1 — 2026-05-12 09:01:58 UTC

All people involved in the discussion should use this space to take down notes so that we can take these actions forward to the relevant stakeholders.

rpmartins1 — 2026-05-12 09:01:58 UTC

By the end of your discussion please summarise ONE major point from your discussion.

2026-05-20 12:29:21 UTC

It is the postdoc's responsibility to bring up career development and opportunities to their PI

2026-05-20 12:30:26 UTC

Talking about careers outside academia with academic PIs is never an easy thing

2026-05-20 12:31:13 UTC

Postdocs should network and knock on doors to create their own opportunities (teaching experience for lectureship)

2026-05-20 12:32:11 UTC

Sometimes the postdoc's goals do not align with the PI's, which can create friction

2026-05-20 12:32:19 UTC

Recommendations for PDRAs

Identify what you need for your next career step first, then try to get feedback from your mentor or PI accordingly.

Example: If you want to find a lecturer position, having a fellowship helps. For this you can search for a mentor who already got a fellowship.

2026-05-20 12:33:11 UTC

It is the postdoc's responsibility to bring up career development, their goals and opportunities to their PI in a clear way

2026-05-20 12:34:29 UTC

Networking is the key. We need to speak about teaching opportunities

2026-05-20 12:35:11 UTC

It may be beneficial to assign each postdoc a mentor at the start of their appointment. This would help ensure they are made aware of career development opportunities, training, and available support from the outset. Many postdocs may not know what resources exist, and therefore may not think to approach a mentor to learn about them, and likely will not hear about them from their manager.

2026-05-20 12:45:17 UTC

Utilise the postdoc mentoring program through QMUL

2026-05-20 13:00:00 UTC

We're all in limited term contracts so PIs will (hopefully) understand that we are looking to increase our employability and are looking for chances to do that from the get go

2026-05-20 13:07:16 UTC

Identify career conversations you are comfortable having with your PI, for the other conversations seek a montor through available routes

2026-05-20 13:08:33 UTC

Try to find the confidence and opportunity to schedule a time with your PI to dicuss career goals, even early in your postdoc