Looking for a New Research Job?

Reader question: I’m getting bored with my current job, and I’m ready to make a change. But I’m not quite sure what type of work I’m looking for, where it should be or what’s the best next step in my research career. Where should I start?

Expert comments:

Whether you’re planning a complete career overhaul or just want to leave your current job, searching for a new research position can be difficult.

That’s why taking stock of your situation and your goals can be a useful exercise. To do this, ask yourself:

• What are my biggest successes?
• What do I most like to do?
• Do I want to work in government, industry or academia?

Once you have a sense of direction, you formulate an Individual Development Program (IDP). This can serve as a self-discovery map and a way to match your skills with career choices.

An IDP has four steps, each of which requires you to answer several questions about yourself and your goals. These include:

1. What is my current state? What are my professional strengths and weaknesses? What are some areas I need to work on, or some commonalities in feedback I have received?
2. What is my desired state? What type of job do I want and why? What are my long-term and short-term goals?
3. What do I need to achieve my desired state? What resources can I use to find and win the job I want?
4. What’s my timeline for getting there? When do I want or need to achieve my goals?

Expert comments from Susan Morris, of Morris Consulting Group LLC, who coaches research scientists in their search for employment.