I help PhDs, Postdocs & Lecturers secure tenure-track jobs & get tenure | Insider knowledge tips on how to succeed | Professor & Research Director
@LancasterUni
Getting your first postdoc or lectureship 101 🎓👨🎓👩🎓
Over the past 2 years, I have helped over 10 PhD graduates and postdocs get their first academic job.
Want to know a secret? I use the same 5 techniques every time. Here they are 🧵👇
@phdvoice
@posdocvoice
@ECRchat
PhDs, do you ever wish you could see inside an examiner's mind?
I have been a PhD examiner for 15+ years and have collated all the key questions colleagues of mine ask in PhD Vivas in this cheat seeht.
🎁 This is my present to you.
Simplify Your PhD Thesis & Dissertation Structure in 7 Clear Steps
Diving into a PhD thesis or dissertation can feel like navigating a labyrinth.
But what if we could break it down into manageable, clearly defined steps?
Here's how:
Struggling to choose your next research topic?
Steal my 'Research Gap' Pyramid Chart and find your way
Let's delve into the 7 key types of research gaps:
It took me 6 weeks to write and submit a research paper the first time.
It took me 4 weeks to do the same thing a year after.
Now, I can write a full paper in a week .
Here’s the framework I use: 🧵👇
@OpenAcademics
@PhDVoice
@PostdocVoice
@AcademicChatter
6 PhD writing tips to 10x your writing in 10 minutes:
1) Write for 1 person
2) Write like you talk
3) Read your writing aloud
4) Resist all urges to be clever
5) Write & edit at different days
6) Proofread on a different screen than you wrote
If only University taught us this
The anatomy of a research paper simplified.
Use this to structure your next paper.
Ever felt lost navigating the complex structure of a research paper?
The key lies in understanding its anatomy.
Let's break it down:
Unlock the 5-Step Secret to a Masterful PhD Literature Review
The key to navigating through is not just in knowing what to look for;
but how to structure your findings.
Here's my secret blueprint for structuring a literature review:
Want to get your PhD or Research grant funded?
Then you need a reviewer to champion your grant.
Here are 5 ways to write grants that are easy to champion:
PhDs: write your research paper as a story to make it more engaging and hook readers from start to end.
Opener = Introduction
Villain = Problem
Hero = Methodology
Climax = Findings
Resolution = Discussion
Ending = Conclusion
PhDs: 98% of the time you don't need:
• More papers to read
• A new note-taking system
• New research ideas to write about
• A perfectly organised citation & reference list
You need to sit down for 90 minutes with the internet blocked and write.
I asked 16 established professors one simple question:
“What early career mistake will you never make again?”
The result: 5 profound mistakes everyone (from postdoc to professor) should avoid in their career.
@postdocvoice
@openacademics
@ECRchat
Let’s dive in: 🧵👇
Ever dreamt of crafting a PhD proposal that opens doors?
Here's how to write a winning PhD research proposal.
Dive into these steps and set yourself up for success:
Master's versus PhD Degree
6 differences you need to know:
Understanding these will help you make an informed decision.
I thought I knew the difference between a Master's and a PhD.
I was wrong. Here's why:
How to systemically identify research gap EASILY?
Identifying the research gap is the first step on your PhD or Research journey.
However, finding the key papers can take weeks
This is where
@LitmapsApp
comes in
Here's my step-by-step guide on how to identify research gap:
Your PhD is not about knowing everything.
It's about becoming an expert in one specific area.
It's about taking a step back to see the big picture before zooming in to focus on the details.
When applying for a PhD or a postdoc:
Choose a department that prioritises your advancement.
Enquire about:
- how researchers are mentored
- conference travel support
- internal research funding
- teaching opportunities
Top PhD Advice:
The writer learns more than the reader.
Don't spend all your day just reading papers.
Make sure you write every day even if it is 200 words.
Everything accumulates in the end.
PhD advice I needed when I was starting:
1 Dedicate time everyday for writing even if it's only 30 mins
2 work on your teaching portfolio during your PhD
3 mentor is more important than supervisor
4 you do not need a title to lead
5 know when to say NO
6 you are not your PhD
Ever considered what really impresses us, the examiners, in a PhD viva?
Turn the tables at your next PhD viva.
Use these insider tips to your advantage:
Academic writing tip:
When writing research paper or your Thesis, arrange your paragraphs like this
P 👉 Point - Main argument sentence
E 👉 Explain - A couple of sentences
E 👉 Evidence - Cite a reference
L 👉 Link to next paragraph - Conclusion
It will transform your writing
Underrated PhD advice:
- Do less. Stop dividing your attention.
- Do it the right way. Get to work right away, but keep working on it until it's right.
- Do it right now. Once you've identified what to do, go fast. Focus on taking action.
PhD Supervision Tip:
Don't blame the PhD students for not growing fast enough.
Acknowledge that growth takes time and effort is crucial.
Blaming the student for delays only hinders progress.
@PhDVoice
As a supervisor, I'm sorry to hear that you're going through such a tough time. Meetings with your supervisor should be uplifting and not make you cry. It's not uncommon for the challenges of adapting to a new country and working hard to collide. Remember, progress is often
Writing grants the same old way?
You're doing it wrong.
Whether you are writing
- a PhD scholarship application or
- a research grant
here's what you should do to make your grant fundable:
PhDs flip the script on PhD Thesis procrastination.
Your thesis isn't a monstrous task, it's an opportunity.
But here's the catch - you've got to beat procrastination first.
Here's your cheatsheet 👇
PhDs & Postdocs preparing for a presentation: 4 things I do before I present:
- 10 mins of breathing exercises
- 10 mins of visualisation
- 10 mins of meditation
- 10 mins of stretching
These 10 minutes give me energy, calm my mind, and prepare me for an amazing presentation.
Steal my academic paper writing guide & template (with example) to write abstracts & papers in record time.
This template helped me write & publish over 30 papers in 3 years.
To get the file like this post & retweet or reply below: "Free Guide”
#academicTwitter
#PhDchat
#acwri
Finding the perfect research question for your PhD is like finding the right life partner.
It should:
- excite you,
- challenge you,
- and be important enough to dedicate years of your life to.
Choose wisely.
Top 9 TED Talks for Researchers:
I've put together the top 9 TED talks, to make you a better researcher.
From embracing the unknown to harnessing the power of data, these talks offer invaluable insights to elevate your research journey.
@PhDVoice
As a PhD examiner and supervisor of many PhDs, I would say that it is completely normal. Here's some advice:
- you are the only expert in your topic an know more about it than all the examiners put together.
- they all want you to pass but as part of the process have to test you
@ashleyruba_phd
It's a nuanced decision that depends on individual goals and circumstances. While a PhD might not be essential for all careers, it can deepen expertise and open doors in research-intensive fields. The mental health aspect is crucial, and considering the opportunity cost is
The hardest parts of writing during the PhD:
- Starting when you feel lost
- Keeping going when you're tired
- Publishing even when you're scared
Conquer those and you can do anything.
Navigating the PhD journey:
Think it's just about research?
Think again.
It's mastering time management, becoming a grant writing wizard..
and sometimes, it's about finding the best coffee for those late-night writing sessions.
Embrace all facets, not just the lab coat.
Mistake 2: Underestimating the power of mentorship.
A good advisor can help you achieve a lot.
A bad advisor can hinder your progress.
But a legendary mentor can can change your life and career trajectory in ways you can’t even imagine.
Steal my academic paper writing guide & template (with example) to write abstracts & papers in record time.
This template helped me write & publish over 30 papers in 3 years.
To get the file like this post, retweet and reply below: "Free Guide”
#academicTwitter
#PhDchat
#acwri
@PhDVoice
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. As a supervisor, I would say that this is not normal. Supervisory meeting should be uplifting and not leaving you cry. Constructive feedback is valuable, but it should be delivered with empathy and guidance, recognising the early
Avoiding these 5 early-career mistakes can set you up for long-term success in academia.
1: Neglecting networking
2: Underestimating the power of mentorship
3: Losing sight of the big picture
4: Blindly following traditional wisdom
5: Overestimating your own abilities.
• Be prepared: create a target list of key contacts
• Be selective: prioritise targeted sessions to meet key people
• Be tactical: use breaks to approach speakers & panelists
• Be genuine: Show genuine interest in others' work
• Follow up: send personalised follow-up emails
Research Paper Reading Tip: Don't read the entire paper.
Master the art of scanning through sections. Save time, retain more. 👇
Here's the sequence:
1️⃣ Title first
2️⃣ then the abstract
3️⃣ then conclusion
4️⃣ discussion or methodology
5️⃣ then and only then read the
@ThePhDPlace
As a Professor I would say PhDs can do several things better than Profs. Here is an non-exhaustive list:
Master the art of hyper-focused research
Turn coffee into groundbreaking theories
Expertise in deciphering jargon like it's a second language
Excel at explaining complex
@hapyresearchers
Because we secretly thrive on the adrenaline rush of grading papers while juggling three different committee meetings and pretending our office plant is our therapist.
Expand your PhD network with these 5 simple steps:
1: Attend conferences in different fields
2: Volunteer for events & projects
3: Connect with alumni
4: Build your LinkedIn profile
5: Attend networking events.
Secret: Step out of your comfort zone & be strategic!
@PhDVoice
As a PhD student, my supervisor never answered my emails.
Then I became a PhD supervisor and realised why
Here are 5 top mistakes and how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: Neglecting networking.
Too often, young academics choose to focus solely on their research, thinking that is enough.
Instead, build relationships with colleagues, attend conferences, and engage in collaborations.
This is what ends up making the biggest difference.
PhDs, the journey to your first academic job is in 3 stages:
1. Master the fundamentals
2. Gain real experience
3. Land a job & get paid
Why is everyone skipping Stage 2?
In phase 2 you should be:
- teaching
- networking
- publish papers
- join committees
Don't skip stages.
Secret to academic writing nobody talks about:
Start with your conclusion.
Know your destination before you begin the journey.
It clarifies your path and sharpens your argument.
Looking for postdoc or lectureship?
I've compiled a list of 40+ free academic job search websites.
It includes jobs in many countries & all fields!
To get the file comment below within 24 hours. I'll message you the download link.
NB: X only allows me to DM those following me
I asked 25 PhD graduates & lecturers one simple question:
“What early career networking mistake will you never make again?”
The result: 5 profound mistakes everyone (from PhD to postdoc) should avoid in their career.
Let’s dive in: 🧵👇
#AcademicTwitter
#phdchat
@PhDVoice
@PhDVoice
@PostdocVoice
As a PhD supervisor I'd say this is absolutely normal. At the start of your PhD you're trying to make sense of your research area. It currently feels like making a 'Paella' dish, where initially it seems like everything is mixed together without plan, but when things come
Unlocking the Secrets: Journal vs Conference Papers
In the world of academic publishing, the choice between journal and conference papers can be pivotal.
Here's why.
Writing a research paper is a process & it takes practice to get better.
Use this framework to speed-up your write-up:
1. Write it like a story
2. Start with your contribution
3. Use threading
4. Work each day
5. Take breaks
6. Get feedback
Assistant professor's job is like an iceberg.
What you see is just the tip, while the bulk of effort & struggle remains hidden beneath the surface.
Do You Agree?
How to Write an Academic Cover Letter Effectively.
CV may get you a job, but your cover letter opens the door.
Here is a an outline and useful vocabulary to include in your letter👇
Academic burnout is a very real issue that is not talked about enough.
PhDs, Postdocs are often expected to work long hours, publish & secure grants without proper support or recognition.
It's time for academia to address this and prioritise the well-being of its researchers.
Genuine pleasure to co-edit with
@mamaazure
the Little Book on "Designer’s Existential Crises in 2022". Key messages: "if you’re not in existential crisis as a
#designer
in 2022, maybe you’re not doing it right!" Free to view
@ImaginationLanc
@thisisDRS
As a Research Director, I have interviewed 100s of postdoc & lectureship applicants.
Most are not well prepared.
These are the 5 top questions we ask and you should prepare for your next interview: 👇
@PhDVoice
#AcademicTwitter
#postdoc
#ECRChat