Case studies
Four former University of Nottingham researchers talk about their move into careers beyond academia.
Vanja Ljevar, Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
What is your current role and what does it involve?
My current role as co-founder and chief data scientist at Kubik Intelligence involves combining behavioural science with prescriptive and predictive data science techniques to understand customers' minds and drive sales.
My company, Kubik Intelligence, is a cutting-edge market research agency that helps clients reach deep inside customers’ minds and push their ‘buy buttons’. I'm also a board member at the University of Nottingham Business School and I share my expertise as a guest business analytics lecturer and supervisor at a MSc course.
I help clients around the world to transform their businesses and increase their profits, but I also specialise in using big data for social good (for example, using big data to solve menstrual poverty) and I've published several peer-reviewed academic papers on this topic.
How did you become a co-founder and chief data scientist?
I worked as a global consultant for several years, but my journey into this field began with a multidisciplinary PhD Computer Science and Psychology at UoN, which provided a strong foundation for my work. Through years of experience with international projects across various sectors, I've gained a deep understanding of how to apply data science and behavioural insights to real-world problems. Finally, my passion for innovation and entrepreneurship has also played a significant role in my career.
What advice would you give to a researcher getting into your field or setting up their own business?
'Do the scary thing first - get scared later.' I really believe that success comes only when we dare to push our own limits. Additionally, I would advise them to embrace an interdisciplinary approach that combines technical skills with a strong understanding of human behaviour.
Practical experience is invaluable, so seek opportunities to apply your research in real-world settings and don't be scared to ask for help.
Luke Norman, Knowledge Exchange Fellow
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am a Knowledge Exchange (KE) Fellow at the Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, where my role focuses on facilitating communication between the Centre and external stakeholders, such as businesses and the public, regarding materials characterisation techniques.
My responsibilities include project management for our business-facing characterisation services, marketing the Centre to attract new clients, and organising public engagement activities. Every day brings something new, making KE a highly dynamic field!
How did you become a Knowledge Exchange Fellow?
I completed both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Nottingham, where I then initially stayed on as a research fellow in a chemistry lab, focusing on sustainable catalyst production.
After a year, I realised I wanted to move out of the lab but stay connected to science, so I reached out to the Careers team. My careers adviser Kirstin, introduced me to Strengths Profiling, which revealed my strengths in explaining complex topics and connecting people, as well as my desire for continuous challenges.
The very next day, I came across a job advert for a Knowledge Exchange Fellow - a role I hadn’t heard of before, but its key skills, including communication, creativity, and relationship-building, resonated strongly with me.
What advice would you give to a researcher getting into your field?
To excel as a KE Fellow, strong communication skills are essential because KE is fundamentally about creating a two-way dialogue between the university and external partners. I recommend that researchers actively seek out opportunities to develop these skills, such as giving talks, presenting posters, or participating in public engagement events. Building relationships, being adaptable, and continuously learning from each interaction are also key to thriving in this field.
Andrew Rowe, Researcher Training and Development Manager
What is your current role, and what does it involve?
I work for the Researcher Academy at the University of Nottingham in a highly skilled and passionate team who promote healthy research cultures and provide support to enable our researchers to flourish.
We provide training and development opportunities for all researchers at the university, from postgraduate researchers right up to senior leaders. Our researcher community is at the very heart of everything we do and we take great pride in the sheer number of opportunities we are able to offer them.
We have completely revamped our training to connect researchers with the skills they need to take their specialism out into the big, wide world.
How do you apply your PhD in your current role?
My PhD was largely communication based, spanning lots of different subject areas. Back in 2022, when the Researcher Academy created our ground-breaking thematic training programmes, I was tasked with developing training and development opportunities in the research communication field. As a result, I was able to utilise my research and PhD experience, specifically related to social media, to develop a comprehensive programme of training for our researchers.
How and why did you become a researcher training and development manager?
I’d been thinking about my post-PhD career since 2014 (I started my PhD in 2012). I had developed a real passion for supporting other postgraduate researchers through the doctoral journey, so much so that a friend and I created a university-wide support (and social) network for postgraduate researchers. It was a peer support initiative designed to get PGRs together on a Tuesday lunchtime to take some time away from our research, to meet new people and just talk to each other – a simple concept really, but it worked.
We won numerous university awards for the scheme, which was brilliant, and I believe it is still running today, several years after we graduated. I developed some great relationships with staff in the Doctoral College and got to know what they did and the role they played in supporting PGRs. It was very soon after setting up this initiative that I decided supporting PGRs, more formally, was something I really wanted to pursue; and fortunately, I’ve found my dream job.
Why did you pursue a career outside of academia?
I knew, after this fire was ignited, that an academic career wasn’t for me; in part because of the mental and emotional exhaustion doing my research had put on me, but actually I really wanted to pass on my knowledge and experience to other PGRs and support them along their own doctoral journey. Ultimately, the fire for doing more academic research burnt out.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
Working with the brilliant Researcher Training and Development Team – they are wonderfully supportive, intelligent and compassionate. We put the needs of our researcher community at the absolute heart of everything we do and are passionate about helping them develop.
What advice would you offer to a PGR?
Firstly, utilising all of the free support available is key to a success doctoral journey. Try your hand at different things to build your skills further and think about your strengths. The Researcher Academy, Careers and Employability Service, Research Support Librarians, Centre for English Language Education and so many others are dedicated experts to support your personal and professional development – so make the most of the opportunities!
Secondly, do a placement. We have a brilliant placements team in the Researcher Academy who offer paid, 200 hour placements which enable you to apply your skills to a specific project. This provides an opportunity to experience what is happening in the world outside of academic research. It makes you more employable and who knows, the company might even offer you a position at the end of it.
Thirdly, be realistic. There are so many people with PhDs who are looking for opportunities outside of academia. Don’t think that because you have a PhD you can walk into any job. Be prepared to apply for entry level positions. All of the skills you have developed, by engaging with different development activities here at UoN, may help to accelerate your progression once you’re in a job.
Finally, use LinkedIn and other social media tools to publicise your profile and work. Once you’ve identified an area or role that you might want to pursue, you can then strategically hone your network further by investigating certain individuals and their connections and experiences – why not message them and seek advice?
Hannah Tomlin, Senior Medical Writer
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am a senior medical writer at Porterhouse Medical, based at MediCity in Beeston. The role varies, but broadly involves information dissemination and collection, to and from medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies, to aid the development of new drugs.
The bulk of my work revolves around generating PowerPoint decks to support meetings with healthcare professionals on clinical trial design. This involves working closely with the client to develop agendas, content, discussion questions and summary reports.
Many meetings are virtual, but any medcomms role usually involves travel – so far, I have attended on-site meetings in America, Sweden and Ireland.
How did you become a medical writer?
Pure chance! After finishing my PhD I started working in the Covid-19 testing lab and stumbled across an email advertisement. I had not heard of medical communications before this, but knew that I enjoyed writing more than lab work and after emailing for some more information realised it would be a good fit for me.
In terms of the application process, I sent a cover letter with my CV, then completed a writing assessment, an interview and one final writing assessment.
What advice would you give to a researcher getting into your field?
Tailor your CV and cover letter to the role. As this is not a lab-based job, you do not need to list all the complex lab techniques you have used throughout your postgraduate study. Instead focus on your writing, presentation, organisation and communication skills.
In the writing tests, don’t panic! No preparation is required, and you do not need to produce a prizeworthy piece of text; employers will be looking for good writing skills and attention to detail. Make sure you have met the brief and have not made any grammatical errors. Also, don’t be shy to reach out to people in the field for more information.