What’s Next? Career Exploration for Established Researchers
If you’re established in your research career, you may be wondering what will challenge and inspire you next. Join this peer-to-peer programme to explore ways to maximise opportunities and overcome obstacles in the next stage of your academic career.
This new programme is part of the University’s response to the N8 Universities’ commitment for the career development of established researchers, supported by Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation
Programme aims and outcomes
This programme provides space to reflect on your research career so far and develop an action plan for the next stage. It will help you:
- Build a community: Connect with established research colleagues across the University who are at a similar career stage.
- Identify motivations and values: Clarify your personal motivations and values for your research career.
- Evaluate research career options: Assess and choose from suitable career options and opportunities.
- Assess development needs: Determine the skills, behaviours and experience you need to achieve your career goals.
- Formulate a career plan: Develop a career development plan to pursue opportunities within the University and externally.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is designed for mid-career researchers who have established an independent research reputation but have not yet achieved the status of Professor. It is particularly suited for those at Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor career stages, though it is not limited to these roles and others may find it valuable.
Programme details and dates:
- Next programme runs: December 2025 to January 2026 (plus an optional follow-up session in April)
- Deadline for registrations: 5pm on Friday 31 October 2025.
The programme is delivered in person on campus over four bi-weekly sessions. The first of which is three hours in length, followed by three further sessions of two hours in length each.
To get the most out of the experience and contribute to the shared journey, you are required to attend all four sessions. Consistent participation helps build strong connections and ensures everyone benefits fully from the collective learning process.
Session dates:
- Session 1 – Wednesday 3 December 2025, 10am–1pm
- Session 2 – Wednesday 17 December 2025, 10am–12noon
- Session 3 – Wednesday 14 January 2026, 10am–12noon
- Session 4 – Wednesday 28 January 2026, 10am–12noon
- Follow-up session (optional and online) Thursday 30 April 2026, 11am–12noon
How to apply
To express your interest in a future date of the ‘What’s Next? Career Exploration for Established Researchers’ programme, please complete the expression of interest form.
Express your interestMeet your facilitators
Dr Jim Baxter
Dr Jim Baxter is an Academic Development Consultant in the Researcher Development and Culture Team in Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL) leading on professional development for research leadership. He focuses on developing academic practice through designing, delivering, assessing, and evaluating courses, workshops, and facilitated events. Jim has two decades of experience in supporting researchers in developing their skills in winning research funding, managing research projects and leading research teams and consortium. Before his current role Jim was a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering.
Dr Emma Spary
Dr Emma Spary is the Associate Director for Researcher Development and Research Culture. She is passionate about supporting researchers to reach their full potential in whatever career they choose, and creating a research culture that people experience as engaging, enabling and equitable. Emma chairs the Researcher Development Steering Group, overseeing work on our strategy and the Researcher Development Concordat, and sits on several internal committees.
Emma gained her PhD at Leeds, worked in industry and held several research grants before switching to researcher development. She’s a national reviewer for the HR Excellence in Research Award and a member of Researchers14, the N8 Research Culture Group and the UKRI Alternative Uses Group.
You might also be interested in
To find out more about all our development opportunities, explore our Researcher Development and Culture website or visit the OD&PL Programme and Events Calendar (Staff Intranet).
More information
If you have any questions or would like to check your eligibility to apply for this programme, please contact Jim Baxter or Emma Spary at [email protected]
To find out more about what we offer, please explore our Researcher Development and Culture website.