CONSIDERING A CAREER CHANGE
These workshops are ideal for PhD students, Early Career Researchers and anyone else considering their options.
FANTASTIC RESEARCH-ADJACENT JOBS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
There is a whole world of research-adjacent opportunities out there – but sometimes you need to know where to look. Whether you’re great at managing projects, love building relationships or want to make more of a difference in the world – there is a career path which will allow you to thrive and stay connected to research. You’ll leave with lots of ideas and some concrete next steps to help you find the right career path for you.
GET SHORTLISTED: APPLYING FOR RESEARCH-ADJACENT JOBS
Most research-adjacent jobs are more about skills than qualifications. There is an art to applying for these roles and you need to know the rules to win the game. This workshop will help you understand the recruitment process, decode job adverts and write better applications. We will also explore what to expect in interviews and how to deal with rejection.
(RE)IMAGINING YOUR FUTURE
Are you at a career crossroads? Trying to figure out which path to take can be a huge challenge. This workshop will help you learn more about yourself to help you narrow down the options. We’ll assess your skills and strengths, personal values and priorities and how these can help with finding a career that feels aligned. We’ll also tackle some of the tricky mindset gremlins that come up when considering a career change and how to move forwards with confidence and curiosity.
“I’ve gained a clearer sense of direction and renewed confidence in navigating my career path intentionally.”
Maria Francisca Cardoso, University of Porto
EMPLOYED IN A RESEARCH-ADJACENT ROLE
These workshops are aimed at people currently employed in research-adjacent roles.
REALIGNING YOUR CAREER COMPASS
To keep your career on course you need to check the navigation from time to time. This workshop is an opportunity to reflect on what’s currently working well for you and what’s not. With individual reflections and group discussion we’ll explore common challenges for research-adjacent professionals. Then you’ll create a personalised action plan to address one or two areas where you want to make progress.
TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR CAREER PROGRESS
Bagging a promotion can be tricky in the research-adjacent world. Jobs are often fixed-term, career paths unstructured, or promotions dependent on your boss leaving. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make progress. This workshop will explore how you can make progress even if your job title doesn’t change. And how focusing on progress can mean you’re in prime position when a promotion opportunity does come up.
OVERCOMING IMPOSTER EXPERIENCES
Imposter experiences are common, but working with researchers who are experts in their field can amplify those feelings of inadequacy. In this workshop you’ll learn to recognise your own achievements and the unique value that you bring to your organisation. We’ll challenge negative self-talk and explore practical strategies for building confidence and resilience.
INCREASING YOUR INFLUENCE
Many research-adjacent professionals are in roles where they have to influence people without formal authority over them. It might be encouraging researchers to submit information on time, negotiating with partner organisations or writing persuasively for a website. This workshop will help you to learn the skills you need to encourage other people to cooperate and get things done. We’ll explore clear communication, building trust, and creating win-win situations so you can influence others with confidence and integrity.
REFRAMING RESILIENCE
Working in the research world can come with frequent disappointment and colleagues who push your boundaries. This means that resilience is a core skill for research-adjacent professionals. But too often resilience is framed as the ability to keep on grinding even when you’re exhausted. This workshop reframes resilience in a more compassionate way as a deep-rooted belief in your ability to figure things out and take care of yourself, no matter what happens. We’ll explore how to combine mindset work and practical tools to build the skills you need to weather any storm.
SELF-EMPLOYED IN A RESEARCH ADJACENT ROLE
JOIN THE RESEARCH ADJACENT COMMUNITY
Freelance life can be lonely. And being a research-adjacent freelancer is pretty niche so it can be hard to find people who get it. Not any more! The Research Adjacent Community is a private online community to connect with fellow freelancers. Share the ups and downs of self-employment, find opportunities and collaborators, and ask all your burning questions.
COMING SOON: THE RESEARCH-ADJACENT DIRECTORY
I know it can be hard for researchers and research-adjacent freelancers to find each other. The Research Adjacent Directory will be a searchable online index of independent consultants and service providers. It will help research organisations find the specialists they need and will help freelancers do more of the work they are brilliant at. Win, win!
COMING SOON: GETTING STARTED AS A RESEARCH-ADJACENT FREELANCER
Starting your own business is hard enough without having to worry about navigating university procurement systems and tender processes. There is lots of advice out there on going freelance but not much which understands this particular niche. With the community hive mind I’m pulling together a collection of resources to help you with everything from making sure your emails don’t bounce to actually getting paid.
GET IN TOUCH
Interactive and engaging
Sarah has spent much of her career working in engagement and education so her approach is very interactive. She includes activities like quizzes, group discussions and individual tasks so everyone can get involved.
Flexible content
The topics below are the building blocks, but session content is flexible. Different options can be combined together to make up a longer workshop. And if you have a topic in mind that isn’t listed, feel free to ask.
In person or online
Sessions can be delivered online or in-person. If you want maximum interaction and engagement or a longer workshop then in-person is better. Online sessions work best when they are shorter and less interactive.
Why work with Sarah?
Sarah McLusky is uniquely placed to support anyone who is considering, or is already on a research-adjacent career path.
- Sarah has over 20 years’ experience in various employed and self-employed research-adjacent roles
- Sarah has interviewed over 50 research-adjacent professionals for the Research Adjacent podcast
- Sarah is a qualified teacher and experienced workshop facilitator
- Sarah has a PhD and has advised lots of PhD students and post-docs
- Sarah has been on numerous recruitment panels over the years, interviewing hundreds of candidates for a wide variety of roles
- Sarah is also a yoga teacher steeped in compassionate approaches
Rates for talks and workshops
These are indicative rates for sessions based on the topics outlined below. Bespoke talks or workshops which require additional preparation will cost more.
I am based in North East England and I am happy to travel for in-person workshops. Expenses including accommodation, subsistence and travel may apply depending on the timing and location.
| Online | In Person | |
| Short talk/workshop (up to 90 min) | £350 + VAT | £500 + VAT + expenses |
| Half day workshop (up to 3h) | £550 + VAT | £800 + VAT + expenses |
| Full day workshop (up to 6h) | not recommended | £1400 + VAT + expenses |
If you are interested in working together you can email me on hello@researchadjacent.com, or use the calendar below to book in a quick Zoom chat.
