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

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Reality check

8. 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

9. Team working
Clinician-scientist
partnership
Will Steward
Anne Thomas

10. ????? 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

11. 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

12. 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!