Journey to Success Beyond Postdocs
Jack Henderson shares his path beyond postdoctoral positions, reflecting on setbacks and eventual triumph as he secures a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship with the University of Surrey after multiple unsuccessful applications.
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A fellows perspective [Generic origin-story title] Jack Henderson Saturday, 21 September 2024 1
Moving beyond postdocs Saturday, 21 September 2024 5
Moving beyond postdocs First non-postdoc application: University of Surrey lecturer in 2016 not shortlisted but useful feedback Saturday, 21 September 2024 6
Moving beyond postdocs First non-postdoc application: University of Surrey lecturer in 2016 not shortlisted but useful feedback First fellowship application: Ernest Rutherford Fellowship in 2017 with University of Surrey not shortlisted but laid some useful groundwork for future applications Saturday, 21 September 2024 7
Moving beyond postdocs First non-postdoc application: University of Surrey lecturer in 2016 not shortlisted but useful feedback First fellowship application: Ernest Rutherford Fellowship in 2017 with University of Surrey not shortlisted but laid some useful groundwork for future applications Second fellowship application: Internal University of Surrey fellowship shortlisted, interviewed but unsuccessful ( didn t match with the goals of the programme ) Saturday, 21 September 2024 8
Moving beyond postdocs First non-postdoc application: University of Surrey lecturer in 2016 not shortlisted but useful feedback First fellowship application: Ernest Rutherford Fellowship in 2017 with University of Surrey not shortlisted but laid some useful groundwork for future applications Second fellowship application: Internal University of Surrey fellowship shortlisted, interviewed but unsuccessful ( didn t match with the goals of the programme ) Third fellowship application: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship with University of Surrey successful! Saturday, 21 September 2024 9
Moving beyond postdocs Summary: First non-postdoc application: University of Surrey lecturer in 2016 not shortlisted but useful feedback Steady progression, including failing multiple times Hard, but important not to become disheartened (support from colleagues and host institution *really* helps) First fellowship application: Ernest Rutherford Fellowship in 2017 with University of Surrey not shortlisted but laid some useful groundwork for future applications All three fellowship applications were very similar: Don t throw everything out with an unsuccessful application Second fellowship application: Internal University of Surrey fellowship shortlisted, interviewed but unsuccessful ( didn t match with the goals of the programme ) Luck plays a huge role Third fellowship application: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship with University of Surrey successful! Saturday, 21 September 2024 10
Moving beyond postdocs Summary: First non-postdoc application: University of Surrey lecturer in 2016 not shortlisted but useful feedback Steady progression, including failing multiple times Hard, but important not to become disheartened (support from colleagues and host institution *really* helps) First fellowship application: Ernest Rutherford Fellowship in 2017 with University of Surrey not shortlisted but laid some useful groundwork for future applications All three fellowship applications were very similar: Don t throw everything out with an unsuccessful application Second fellowship application: Internal University of Surrey fellowship shortlisted, interviewed but unsuccessful ( didn t match with the goals of the programme ) Luck plays a huge role Third fellowship application: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship with University of Surrey successful! Saturday, 21 September 2024 11
Fellowship application process Roughly the same for all types: - Initial application/internal application varies by fellowship/institution - Full application to funding body 6-12 months - Application reviewed and referee reports sent back to applicant - Response to reviewers - Shortlisting - Interview - profit? Get a case for support (basically the project outline) ready well in advance and get people you trust to provide feedback Saturday, 21 September 2024 12
My application(s) Dual experimental programmes: deformation and isospin symmetry Applications/detector development: novel scintillators for neutron detection My hook: work at FRIB and TRIUMF, coming home Timeliness: FRIB and ARIEL upgrades coming online and two recent high-impact journal publications I m happy to share my application, please reach out if you re interested Saturday, 21 September 2024 13
