Career Development Study Group

Objectives

Our centre is home to more than 100 early career researchers. This study group aims to create a space for open, structured discussions about career development and the wide range of career paths available both within academia and beyond.

All contributions by iTHEMS members are very welcome and we hope this study group will provide a forum where members can exchange knowledge, experiences, and resources relevant to researchers at all career stages.

Our activities can include talks by recent iTHEMS alumni, senior PIs with experience on hiring panels, and others from academia and industry. Through these discussions, we hope to explore topics such as different pathways to becoming a PI, how to present and “sell” our research to faculty panels, differences between academic systems across countries, and broader considerations around work–life balance and long-term career planning.

Alongside individual talks throughout the year, we also aim to organise a dedicated careers day that serves as a focal point for the study group, bringing together several speakers to share their diverse career trajectories. We envision this as an opportunity not only to learn from different experiences, but also to reconnect with former iTHEMS members and engage with people we would not typically interact with.

In addition, the study group aims to provide more direct support for funding opportunities and grant strategies, and share knowledge relevant to specific career paths, including fellowship opportunities and practical advice for navigating different countries, sectors, and career paths.

Facilitators:

Leo Speidel (RIKEN iTHEMS) – Contact: leo.speidel@riken.jp

Brian Andrew Mintz (RIKEN iTHEMS)

Vladimir Sosnilo (RIKEN iTHEMS)

Taketo Sano (RIKEN iTHEMS)

Derek Beattie Inman (RIKEN iTHEMS)