Research Professionals' Career Conversations

Are you a research professional working in a role closely connected to research but not directly conducting research? Are you wondering what will stimulate you next and what challenges lie ahead?

Join this peer-to-peer programme to explore ways to maximise opportunities and overcome obstacles in the next stage of your career.

The programme focuses on you and your career aspirations. Through a series of structured conversations, it will help you to develop the actions you need to deliver those aspirations.

This new programme is part of the University’s response to offer research professionals a local opportunity offered by OD&PL to undertake a career development opportunity.

This programme gives you the opportunity to take stock of your career so far and to develop an action plan to achieve your goals for your next career stage. It will help you to:

• Build a community: Connect with research professionals across the University.
• Identify motivations and values: Clarify your personal motivations and values for your 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 and outside the University.

Research Professionals’ Career Conversations is tailored for colleagues who work in roles that are integral to the success of the University's research but aren't academics or members of research staff.

You may work in a technical role, research and innovation development, business engagement, open research, research data management, research communications, research project management, policy engagement, impact development, public engagement, research contracts and finances, etc, etc. These roles may be located in central services, faculties, schools or cross-faculty institutes.

• 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 ensure this programme is effective, for you and the rest of the group, you are required to attend all four sessions.

To get the most out of the experience and contribute to the shared journey, you are required to attend all 4 sessions. Consistent participation helps build strong connections and ensures everyone benefits fully from the collective learning process.

Session 1 – Wednesday 3 December 2025, 10am–1pm: In session one, will look at establishing group relationships, trust and engagement, agreeing on rules of engagement, and laying the groundwork for career discussions.

Session 2 – Wednesday 17 December 2025, 10am–12noon: In session two, you will explore your values and take stock of your career.

Session 3 – Wednesday 14 January 2026, 10am–12noon: In session three, you will examine your career options, opportunities and identify your development needs.

Session 4 – Wednesday 28 January 2026, 10am–12noon: In session four, you will develop a personalised career plan, identify next steps and find suitable support programmes at Leeds and beyond.

Follow-up session (optional and online) – Thursday 30 April 2026, 11am-12noon

If you have any questions or would like to check your eligibility to apply for this programme, please contact Ged Hall or Ruth Winden at [email protected].