Any bright ideas?

[MadScientist10]

I know I’ve posted on here previously about jobs but I’ve had some set backs so still no further forward!

I have a biochemistry/immunology PhD and was a post-doc for 5 years before stepping out of work to raise kids. That was about 3.5 years ago and I’d like to go back into work but don’t know where to start. I loved the lab work aspect and teaching part of being a post-doc.

Drawing on the vast knowledge of all of you - any ideas for work that’s relatively flexible? DH has a horrific commute and anti-social hours (junior doctor in A&E) so school pick ups/drop offs mostly down to me.

I was thinking teaching/systematic reviewer but any other ideas are very welcome! Thanks :)

I'm not sure that finding work in a university will be possible with that CV and need for flexibility. What about school teaching? I'd imagine a lot of fee-paying schools (where, I think - not an expert) you don't need a PGCE might quite like a PhD & post-doc qualified teacher.

Or out of teaching/research altogether, thinking about the broader transferable skills you have - a large pharma might be interested in your background re research.

Is there a professional association or research council in your field which offers 're-entry" grants for women after having children?

Daphne Jackson Fellowship?

Do you speak a second language? If so, you could try doing a one-year Masters or certificate and become a translator with a medical/pharma specialization. I worked as one through much of my PhD and precarious post-doc years - it was very flexible but as with all freelance work there are highs and lows and also you need to spend time finding customers, promoting yourself, etc. I used to know several translators who had come into the profession via a PhD in a non-language but in-demand field (medical, law, etc.) folllowed by extra translation training and usually they were better placed than most in terms of getting jobs, negotiating higher rates, etc.

What is your syst-review experience, where are you based? Do you know anything about infectious diseases or meta-analysis? Msg me?

Thanks for all the replies. So sorry I disappeared - lots going on!

@Dolorabelle I have considered teaching. I worked in a couple of schools years ago for a brief time. I think it’s hard with very young children as although you get lots of time off you also can’t easily take days in term if they are ill, etc. Friends in teaching with young families are often stressed about childcare cover but I’m not sure if this is a ‘thing’ or if I’m just focusing on it!

@Nearlyalmost50 I will definitely look at the Daphne Jackson fellowships more closely thank you.

@aridapricot I do speak another (my native) language but I’m not so sure I’d be good at translating scientific text as I’ve completed all higher education in English.

@MedSchoolRat Systematic review experience I would say novice! Just starting out really. I’m currently based in the south east. Any advice you have would be gratefully received!