Careers outside academia

If you’re feeling uncertain about staying in academia, you’re not alone. Many postgraduate researchers (PGRs) consider careers beyond university life and for good reason.

Academic jobs can be hard to secure long-term, especially with so many short-term or part-time contracts. It can also feel overwhelming juggling teaching, publishing, grant writing, and admin tasks. Or maybe, after years in education, you're simply ready for a new challenge.

That’s where industry or roles outside of academia can offer something different. These jobs often give you the chance to use your skills in new ways, like managing projects, leading teams, or shaping strategy. Industry roles often appreciate people with a broad or interdisciplinary background, so you're not stuck specialising in one narrow topic. You might even discover exciting opportunities in unexpected places—like a scientist working in the creative sector, or a historian thriving in tech.  Could link to Annie’s webinar in June – STEM to marketing

Working outside academia can also be more financially rewarding. According to Vitae (2022), doctoral grads working in university research had a median salary of £34k, compared to £35k in research roles outside academia, and £40k in other common doctoral-level jobs, many of which also offered more chances to earn higher salaries.

Plus, while industry jobs can still be demanding, they may offer more flexibility like remote working and more defined working hours.

We recommend you take the following action as well as talking to us!

We provide tailored PGR workshops including career planning, job searching, skills development, application and interview advice as well as employer webinars. Through our one-to-one careers appointments, we can help you  explore your career options, find relevant jobs and internships, and develop the skills needed for success in the job market. 

Reflect on your skills and interests

Spend some time thinking about yourself. Understanding yourself will help guide your career choice and we're here to help you reflect on your skills and interests so please book an appointment with us.

• What you have to offer, your skills, strengths and personal qualities. 
• What inspires and motivates you.
• What parts of your PhD do you enjoyed most.
• Are you drawn to research, problem-solving, writing, or leadership?
• What are your values and interests?
• What kind of work life balance do you want?  

We have a number of resources available to help you develop your self-awareness including Profiling for Success, an online programme.

Explore industries

Starting your research early by targeting industries that align with your expertise, will support you to make a smooth transition into a fulfilling career after your PhD. This will help you manage the stress of job hunting but also enable you to align any placements or internships with your career goals.

Understanding the skills employers are looking for allows you to fine-tune your CV and experience while you’re still writing your thesis and help you feel more prepared and confident as you transition into the job market.

Several industries actively seek the advanced skills developed during a PhD. Fields such as technology, healthcare, biotechnology, consulting, and policy often value expertise in research, data analysis and innovation. Whether you’re interested in developing new technologies, advising on policy, or working in medical research, many of these industries offer exciting career paths where your PhD background is highly relevant. You can explore a range of job roles and industries using our A to Z of careers,

Resources like Vitae, LinkedIn, and specialised job boards or agencies can offer valuable insights into salary expectations, job openings, and potential career paths for PhDs outside academia. They also provide important networking opportunities for building professional connections beyond the academic world.

Network and learn from others

Talk to professionals in your areas of interest including supervisors, academics, peers. You can also attend careers fairs and events, join LinkedIn groups and connect with alumni who’ve transitioned into industry to gain insights and advice.

By attending industry-specific conferences and workshops, you can learn about job opportunities and labour market trends. You may discover hidden job opening, that is those that haven't been advertised, as well as gain insights into what companies look for in potential candidates. 

Gain experience

Test out roles outside of academia during your PhD by undertaking internships, placements, short-term projects or volunteering. Gaining hands-on experience will help you understand if a career outside academia is for you. These roles will help you build industry-specific knowledge and expand your professional network, improving your chances of securing a full-time position.

Find out more about the opportunities open to you on our Work experience page. 

Consider additional training

If needed, take online courses or certifications to gain new skills that will make you more competitive in your chosen field.  This could include learning specific software tools, industry regulations, or gaining certifications in project management (for example, PMP) or data analysis tools (such as, MATLAB, Python).

Find out more on the Researcher Academy SharePoint site, UoN library training, LinkedIn Learning and check out other online opportunities on our website.

Stay open to new opportunities

Be flexible and willing to explore different roles. Career paths aren’t always linear, and being open to new opportunities will help you find the right fit.

If you’re thinking about moving away from traditional academic research roles, you might want to explore working in associated careers. These roles allow you to support research or work alongside researchers while using the valuable skills you've developed during your PhD.

1. Research and development roles

To transition into research and development (R&D) roles, it’s important to focus on highlighting your technical skills, research experience and ability to innovate which are key qualities highly valued in R&D positions across various industries.

Start by identifying industries that heavily rely on R&D, such as technology, pharmaceuticals, biotech, energy, and engineering. These sectors often offer roles where your research skills are directly applicable, whether in developing new products, improving processes, or advancing technologies.

You will need to ensure your applications highlight your transferable skills, such as data analysis, experimental design, problem-solving, and scientific writing. Emphasise any hands-on research experience, technical proficiency (for example, lab techniques, programming, or simulation tools), and project management. R&D roles value the ability to conduct independent research, collaborate across teams, and innovate solutions.

2. Research-adjacent roles

If you have a PhD but don’t want to pursue traditional research, research-adjacent roles enable you to apply your expertise without conducting original research. They offer a meaningful alternative path where you can use your analytical skills, knowledge, and critical thinking.

Additionally, you might consider a career with UK public bodies, which offer rewarding opportunities to improve public services, influence policy, and support societal well-being. These include government departments, non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), local authorities, and regulatory agencies, all of which value the skills and expertise that PhD graduates bring. 

Jobs include:

• exhibition curator
• project manager
• patent attorney
• consultant and advisor
• entrepreneur and business manager
• archivist
• librarian
• publishing professional
• journalist and media communicator
• public engagement
• social researcher
• knowledge exchange professional

Watch our webinar on a career in government social research

Find out more about careers in social research and think tanks

Watch our webinar on moving from academia to the Civil Service

Find out more about careers within the Civil Service

You may also be able to use the contacts made throughout your career so far. Think about which organisations undertake research. For example, is there a museum with special collections you are an expert in, or a science park with companies innovating in your field? Or perhaps part of your research has looked at specific research cultural organisations or big business, where your insight into their practices would be invaluable.

Sarah McLusky's Research Adjacent website and podcasts

3. Alternative science careers

Are you passionate about science but don’t want a career in a laboratory? There are many opportunities for scientists outside of the laboratory.

Science careers beyond the lab

Find employers of researchers

UK Research and Innovation - list of independent research organisations eligible for research council funding

Jobs.ac.uk 

Find out more and apply 

Graduates will be recruited to manage and deliver a strategic project for a business whilst being supported by their university. You’ll be employed by the University but work in the company under their terms and conditions.

As a KTP Associate, you will:

• Work in both a commercial and academic setting
• Fast track your career development with a substantial training and development budget
• Turn ideas into impact and apply your knowledge

Current KTP vacancies managed by the University

National KTP opportunities

Read My Knowledge Transfer Journey by Jordan Fischer, human factors graduate at Cadent 

Careers outside academia: KTP Associate

Look around your department and across the wider university, there are numerous roles that will utilise your knowledge of university structures and processes and allow you to support the teaching and research of others.

Academic-adjacent roles in universities include positions like:

• research associate
• academic advisor
• programme coordinator
• grant writer
• research fellow
• quality assurance
• human resources (HR)
• roles in university administration, for example, roles within student services and career services

These positions appeal to PhDs as they offer the opportunity to stay in the academic environment. These jobs offer opportunities to continue research, support students, or contribute to university operations with more work-life balance and financial stability. They also allow PhDs to use their skills in new ways, such as influencing policy or driving educational initiatives, while avoiding the demands of publishing or teaching.

Alongside the webinar below, you can also read about Andrew Rowe's career path from PHD to researcher training and development manager at the university.

Watch our webinar on academic-adjacent careers

Questions to ask yourself

• Do I enjoy working in a university environment e.g. the pace, colleagues, ethos etc.?
• Would I find supporting the teaching and research of others satisfying?
• Has my experience so far given me any ideas regarding where I might fit in?

Top tips

• Talk to staff in relevant departments to investigate the various roles
• Consider where your skills might best be used within a university for example in support, administration or policy
• Search university websites to see what non-academic roles are advertised
• Look for opportunities to develop useful skills for example committee servicing (setting an agenda and taking minutes)

Useful resources

The Guardian - jobs for non-academic roles in HE

Jobs.ac.uk  - working in HE in a non-academic role 

Jobs.ac.uk - working in higher education 

Jobs.ac.uk - vacancies for professional, managerial and support services roles

Graduate schemes are also open to PGRs and can bridge the gap between research-based work and applied professional environments, providing support as you adapt to industry settings with structured guidance. Being part of a reputable scheme can set you up well for leadership and managerial roles in your chosen career. 

Many graduate jobs in the UK don’t require a particular subject background, as employers are often more interested in whether you have the right attitude, skills, attributes etc. For example, areas such as finance, IT and management look for candidates with strong analytical skills, attention to detail and self-motivation; all skills that you will have developed during your research degree.

Many of these roles will be appropriate for postgraduate applicants. You will be treated in the same way as any other graduate applicant. If you think you want to go down this route, make an appointment with the careers team to discuss how best to pitch yourself as a PhD graduate to potential employers.

Questions to ask yourself 

• What are my strengths, skills, attributes and where might they be most effectively applied?
• What adjustments may I need to make when considering a career in new employment sector?
• What benefits will I bring to the role and employer with my higher level qualification?

Top tips

• Talk to a careers adviser. They can help you to consider your skills and explore the options open to you.
• Attend our careers events and recruitment fairs covering a wide range of sectors 
• Try to obtain some relevant experience, particularly if you are interested in a competitive field or one that requires strong business and commercial awareness. Part-time work, work shadowing, and volunteering are all valid ways to gain experience.
• Explore the placements on offer through Researcher Academy Placements
• Explore different entry routes. Graduate training schemes within large corporate businesses are well publicised. Smaller organisations may take more effort to identify. Use LinkedIn and chambers of commerce directories as a starting point. 
• For international opportunities, visit our working abroad pages for key resources

Useful resources 

Prospects  - job profiles Note: While they are primarily aimed at the undergraduate reader, they do include PhD specific information where relevant, and they provide useful detail about each role. 

Employers

A relatively small number of employers have specific schemes and programmes for PhD applicants, for example:

The Bank of England - PhD internships and Researcher Programme

Your career doesn’t have to follow a traditional path, your interests can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful career. 

As a PhD student you may find that your passions for example writing, teaching, sports, sustainability, the arts, social justice, or technology resonate more deeply with you than traditional academic or research career routes.

Many individuals have successfully carved out meaningful and fulfilling careers from their personal interests, often blending them with their academic expertise or developing them into entirely new opportunities.

Why consider this option?

• Working in an area you're genuinely passionate about can feel more aligned with your values and sense of purpose.
• When your work reflects your interests, you’re more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic over the long term.
• Interest-based careers often offer diverse options, including part-time work, consultancy, freelancing, or roles in smaller mission-led organisations.
• Portfolio careers let you combine multiple part-time or freelance roles—such as tutoring, research consultancy, and creative work—which may suit your skillset and personal goals

Question to ask yourself

• What transferable skills do I already have which can translate into creative or community-based careers?

Top tips

• Build a personal brand. A strong online presence (website, social media, LinkedIn, or a blog) can help you showcase your interest and connect with like-minded people.
• Think long term, start small. Building a sustainable career from a passion often takes time. Start small, learn as you go and be open to evolving your ideas.
• Don’t undervalue your PhD. The skills, knowledge, and discipline developed during your doctorate are highly transferable. Even if your passion lies outside academia, your research experience adds credibility and depth.

Organisations offering support and advice for self-employed 

Starting your own business or working freelance during or after your PhD can be a great alternative offering researchers a rewarding path.

As a PGR you are able to identify problems, generate solutions, and bring forward innovative ideas that can translate into viable business opportunities.

With the growing potential for commercialising innovation, universities actively support budding entrepreneurs. Whether your goal is to launch a startup, develop a consultancy, or build a freelance portfolio based on your academic expertise, there are routes to explore.

Why consider this option?

• Working for yourself offers control over your career direction and daily schedule, which may suit those who enjoy independence.
• Turning your research into real-world solutions, products, or services.
• Freelance or entrepreneurial work can complement an academic or industry career and open new income streams.

Top tips

• Seek advice from the Ingenuity Lab at the university
• Enrol on the Researcher Academy's online course – The Enterprising Researcher
• Build your personal brand by establishing a professional online presence (for example, LinkedIn, personal website, or portfolio). Showcase your expertise and achievements to attract clients or collaborators
• Talk to people who have started their own business to investigate the level of commitment required
• Undertake some market research to test the feasibility of your ideas

Useful resources

Organisations offering support and advice about self-employment 

University's Ingenuity Lab