If you're looking for opportunities in academia after your PhD, you're likely to be applying for:
- a postdoctoral research position (most common in scientific and technical subject areas)
- a junior lectureship or fellowship (most common in arts and humanities subject areas).
The most common way to apply for academic jobs is to submit a university application form, along with an academic CV (curriculum vitae) and covering letter.
You could send out a speculative CV to the head of each research group in your field, to see if there are any current vacancies you can apply for.
Tips
- You must submit a well-written and carefully researched application.
- Find out as much as you can about the university and the department you're applying to, such as what is taught within the department and what you could contribute to the curriculum.
- During your PhD study you may have focussed on a research topic in detail. For academic job applications try to focus primarily on the knowledge gained and output (in the form of publications) from your research. You also need to show experience of, or the potential to, generate research funding, in addition to teaching and supervision skills.
- Look carefully at the person specification and make sure you fulfil the essential criteria. If you don’t have the desirable criteria, it’s still worth applying – make the most of the knowledge and skills you do have.
- If an advert gives the name of someone to whom you can make informal enquiries, use this as an opportunity to find out more about the job and make a positive impression. Email the contact to ask when it would be convenient to phone. Have some questions prepared, for instance about the balance of teaching to research, or the administrative duties in the post. Don’t ask questions that have already been answered in the job description and person specification.
- Work your way through the person specification and make sure you have given evidence in your application form, CV and covering letter that shows you have the relevant experience and knowledge.
If you're successful in your job application and receive an interview offer, have a look at our advice on preparing for a job interview.
Useful resources
