#Recognition of Research Talents
Monday 21 September 2020 | 1 pm | Online
Introduced by Dr Sara Shinton (Head of Researcher Development, University of Edinburgh), this event is aimed at starting Postdoc Appreciation Week on a positive and light-hearted note, by focusing on how great postdocs are, sharing tips on identifying strengths and communicating while being highly entertaining and fun!
Chris Humphrey (Founder and career consultant at Jobs on Toast) will introduce the steps postdocs can take
to unlock the value of their academic qualifications and experience, by (1)
recognising the transferable skills, subject-matter knowledge, and productive
behaviours they've developed, and (2) understanding the key factors required to
access jobs and careers outside of academia.
Emer Maguire (Science communicator, broadcaster and musical comedian) will then focus on one of these skills, communication. She'll talk about her approach to communicating research in a fun and engaging manner, the science of music, postdoc life and life during lockdown, all using humour and songs!
Expected length: 1 h 15.
This event is free for all research staff but requires registration. A link will be emailed to registered participants.
This event was recorded and is now available on demand:
Chris Humphrey, Founder of Jobs On Toast
Dr Chris Humphrey is a project manager and
careers consultant, and the founder of the popular careers website Jobs on
Toast. Chris completed his PhD in Medieval Studies at the University of York in
1997, and held a post-doctoral fellowship there until 2000. Since leaving
academia, Chris has worked as a project and programme manager in the private
sector, specialising in technology, transport, financial services and
sustainability. Today he works as a team leader and project manager for a
values-based bank.
Emer Maguire, Science communicator, broadcaster and musical comedian
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Emer uses her unique style and sense of humour to communicate the wonders of science to the general public. Whatever it is on her BBC radio show "Science and Stuff with Emer Maguire" or on stage like at the Edinburgh Fringe festival, Emer spreads her love for science, notably with unforgettable and hilarious self-penned songs.
Emer won multiple awards and distinctions for her work, including FameLab UK, International Science Stars in Asia and two Irish Music Radio Awards.
Dr Sara Shinton, Head of Researcher Development and Assistant Director of the Institute for Academic Development (University of Edinburgh)
Sara has a particular interest in inclusive research cultures and collaboration. Her team delivers development programmes and opportunities for researchers at all career stages at The University of Edinburgh and she is Co-investigator on two EPSRC Inclusion Matters projects looking at gender inequality in big grant leadership and disability in science careers. She authored the Institute of Physics' "Resilience Toolkit" in 2016 and organised the Universities' Scotland Researcher Training Policy Forum "Supporting and Enhancing Researcher Mental Wellbeing in Scotland" in 2018. She's currently writing the University's Concordat Action Plan.
Sara is a roving panel member for the UKRI's Future Leaders Fellowship programme and supports Edinburgh's prospective fellows with 1:1 feedback on proposals, research careers support, EDI and mock interviews. During Covid-19 she set up the "Pop-Up IAD" to ensure training and support opportunities for research staff would continue uninterrupted - all workshops were recorded and openly available to all researchers.
Sara founded the annual ScienceFestival 'Bang
Goes the Borders' in 2011 and is a member of the Borders College Management
board. She has previously worked as a careers adviser, postdoc and ran a
researcher development consultancy for 17 years before being drawn back into
University life in 2017.