Becoming a non-clinical academic and how to survive Professor Karen Brown Cancer Chemoprevention Group, Dept. of Cancer Studies JING 2016

Timeline 1990 1994 1997 2005 2010 2012 1999 2001 Senior lecturer Reader Professor 7 years ~4 years 4 years 5 years 2 years 1999 2001

Strike when things are going well! Make the most of opportunities and timing 1990 1994 1997 2005 7 years ~4 years 4 years 1999 2001 Senior lecturer 2012 2010 5 years 2 years Reader Not a well resourced lab Good – but not amazing papers… There’re improving – shows what you can do if given a chance Professor Strike when things are going well!

Mentors and advocates Find a mentor – independent PIs can be useful here People you barely know will help you if you make a good impression

Choosing a lab Science that excites you Aim high – be ambitious and don’t be afraid to switch area if they are wiling to take you on Be proactive But …… ‘Top’ labs may not always be the best for everyone Personal recommendations Culture of the institute/lab Look at publications – only very high impact? All the same author? Consider career stage of PI and size of group

Networking Your peers will become your future collaborators, reviewers of your papers/grants, support network and friends Socialise with your peers Conferences and lab visits – become known within your research community Put yourself out there – even if you hate it Make yourself stand out from the crowd and be proactive

Reality check

Finding a niche AIM: Different from your PI and others in your institute Move Institutes Training courses Technology transfer/training bursaries – ECMC, BACR Fellowship But…. employed to do a job …. pressures on PI make it challenging Identify a skill that is mutually beneficial Working hard and making a success of your project definitely helps

Team working Clinician-scientist partnership Will Steward Anne Thomas

????? The transition Trust others Incredibly rewarding Learn to ask the right questions Reliance of students/post-docs for latest information Incredibly rewarding Student/staff development Building the bigger picture

Hard work, great bosses, taking opportunities and luck To survive…………………. Resilience A thick skin – don’t take things personally Perseverance Multitasking Organisation Positivity and conviction – learn from setbacks Ability to listen to and take on board criticism

Finally… Do science that excites you Work hard and enjoy it Choose a great place to work Work with a supportive PI Take ownership of your science and your career Take some risks Have a personal life There is no typical career path Don’t give up!