News

Event summary: From PhD to postdoc - Strategies, fellowships, and real-world insights

Event

On 17 December the Postgraduate Network (PGN) hosted 'From PhD to Postdoc: Strategies, Fellowships, and Real-World Insights', an event that brought together early-career researchers and academic leaders to share practical advice on securing postdoctoral positions and fellowships. The panel featured Dr Marcus Nicolson (Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute for Minority Rights, EURAC Research), Dr Remi Edwards (Research and Impact Associate, SPERI), and Professor Simon Rushton (Director of Research and Innovation, School of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield). Each speaker combined personal experience with actionable guidance for applicants.

Key takeaways

  • Dr Remi Edwards emphasised the importance of networking early , build relationships during your PhD and expand them deliberately. She encouraged candidates to publish and to communicate clearly the impact of their work when applying for fellowships. Confidence and clarity about one’s objectives and strengths are crucial; rejection is part of the process, and persistence matters.
  • Dr Marcus Nicolson recommended seeking out exchange opportunities and institutional funding that align with your research interests, and collaborating with scholars who can advance the field. He illustrated this with a personal example of co-authoring a paper while still a PhD candidate: that early achievement strengthened his profile and aided subsequent applications.
  • Professor Simon Rushton focused on building supportive relationships that can facilitate the transition from PhD to postdoc, in particular, securing strong recommendations. He advised applicants to assess carefully how well they fit a given institute (including its faculty and research priorities) and to develop a substantial publication track record. Publications demonstrate proactivity, and together with a proposal’s originality and feasibility, they significantly increase the chances of success.

The speakers’ combined insights highlighted three recurring themes: start early (networking and publications), be strategic about fit (institutional and supervisory match), and persistently build a demonstrable record of research impact. Attendees found the session practical and encouraging, with several students noting the value of hearing candid, experience-based advice.