7 Reasons Why a Secondment Should Be on Your To Do List as a Postdoctoral Researcher
Boost your CV as a postdoctoral researcher with secondments!
A secondment is a temporary transfer of a postdoctoral research fellow or early career researcher to another workplace or post. Here at C-DICE, secondments are generally 1-6 month projects that provide an opportunity for researchers to take a break from their current research and apply their skills in a new field. Secondees are compensated for their salary and receive a stipend for travel and subsistence. There is even the opportunity for a no-cost extension where extra time is needed for the training and development of the postdoctoral researcher on the project.
If you are a postdoc looking to take the next step for your career, read on to find out why secondments could be the perfect option for you.
1. Looks great on your CV
One of the first reasons to consider secondments is to improve your chances with prospective employers. Secondments make a great addition to your CV and can showcase your ability to deliver value outside of an academic setting.
2. Flexible Working
A C-DICE secondment is accommodating of your schedule and is available full time or part time and with a mix of hybrid working locations. Each secondment is tailored to the needs of successful applicants and can be discussed with the host organisation prior to the start of the project.
3. Sector Hopping
As a temporary transfer, the secondee benefits from the opportunity to work in a different sector from their own research. Using their transferable research skills, postdocs are able to explore new avenues without the risk of abandoning their current field.
4. Access to Facilities
Depending on the host organisation, a secondment could offer access to the research facilities available to them. This gives you as a postdoc unprecedented access which can greatly influence your decision making in considering further research.
5. No Change to Financial Status
There is no change to your financial status when opting to be part of a secondment. You will continue to be compensated based on your current salary, with additional travel expenses also covered.
6. Take a Break!
Research can be a long and arduous task. A secondment can allow you to simply focus your energy elsewhere for a short period of time – so you can get back to your own project with new learnings and a fresh perspective.
7. Networking
A secondment will allow you to meet new people from different sectors across academia and industry. Networking is crucial for growth as a postdoctoral researcher and this opportunity allows you to make far deeper connections than any networking event or conference! Furthermore, if you pursue an academic career, research proposals will often require delivery partners to be considered for funding. Secondments are your opportunity to create those connections as well.
If that sounds like the right step for your research career, C-DICE has several secondment opportunities with our industrial and academic partners. You can find more details here, or contact us to create your own opportunity based on your specific needs.
Am I eligible to apply?
Now that you’re ready to take charge of your career development, you might be wondering whether you are qualified to join a secondment. C-DICE secondments are available to all postdocs and ECRs that are part of the C-DICE network. Find out if your institution is eligible here.
Successful candidates will be required to seek permission from their supervisor and employing organisation to undertake the secondment.