{"id":736,"date":"2026-09-30T17:42:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T16:42:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.imperial.ac.uk\/doid-staff\/?p=736"},"modified":"2026-09-30T18:00:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T17:00:19","slug":"doid-early-career-researcher-club-continues-to-build-vibrant-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.imperial.ac.uk\/doid-staff\/2026\/09\/30\/doid-early-career-researcher-club-continues-to-build-vibrant-community\/","title":{"rendered":"DoID Early Career Researcher Club continues to build vibrant community"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Figure 1 Dr In\u00eas Perp\u00e9tuo explains the dos and don\u2019t\u2019s when interviewing for competitive roles both in academic and non-academic settings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Early Career Researcher Club (ECRC) continues to create momentum amongst early career researchers of the Department of Infectious Diseases (DoID) with three consecutive events that have brought together staff, technicians, undergraduate and postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, fellows, academics, and professionals of multiple expertise beyond academia to explore various career trajectories.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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In March, the DoID ECRC have gathered to prepare for job interviews by taking on both the perspective of interviewees and the interviewers via an innovative setting in collaboration with Dr In\u00eas Perp\u00e9tuo of the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI). In April, the community has met to illuminate career options beyond academia \u2013 the founders of Manteis Bio, Dr Julia Makinde and Dr Anna Ettorre, and Full Circle Labs, Dr Michael Crone, showcased their path of transitioning from academia to starting their own businesses. Further, the ECRC have gathered to showcase career paths beyond academia including publishing, patent law, laboratory management and biosafety in June. The ECRC gratefully acknowledges support by the Department of Infectious Disease, a Clinical Academic Training Office (CATO) Connect Grant, FIDABIO and Full Circle Labs, whose generous financial support continue to shape the Department\u2019s vibrant early career researcher community.<\/p>\n

Early Career Researchers connect through micro pitch networking event in March<\/h2>\n

The DoID Early Career Researcher Club (ECRC) and early career researchers have gathered for an engaging and interactive networking event so to strengthen communication skills and build confidence in pitching one\u2019s competencies. Specifically, staff, technicians, undergraduate and postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, fellows, and academics recently came together to master how to pitch themselves in interview settings in the Social Space of the Sir Alexander Fleming Building of Imperial College London on 26 March 2026. Indeed, the ability to emphasize one\u2019s suitability for filling a position is critical when applying for highly competitive roles.<\/p>\n

The event started with an insightful presentation by Dr In\u00eas Perp\u00e9tuo, consultant at the Early Career Institute (ECI) at Imperial College London, who outlined the most critical aspects when preparing for job interviews (Figure 1). The engaging talk highlighted key aspects applicants should take into consideration when applying for fellowships, lectureships, or non-academic roles. The nuanced differences when approaching interviews led to captivating discussions amongst the participants.<\/p>\n

Moreover, the event entailed a fast-paced micro pitch and speed-networking format, giving participants the opportunity to practise answering interview-style questions in a supportive environment while meeting researchers from a wide range of disciplines. Participants were divided into two groups: interviewers and interviewees. Each exchange followed a structured format:<\/p>\n

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  • Interviewer chooses and asks a potential interview question<\/li>\n
  • Interviewee replies in due time<\/li>\n
  • Interviewer gives constructive feedback<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    After each round, participants rotated to meet someone new, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere that encouraged concise communication, active listening, and quick thinking. Once all participants had completed the full networking circle, the groups swapped roles, allowing everyone the opportunity to experience both interviewing and being interviewed (Figure 2).<\/p>\n

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    Figure 2 Early career researchers take turns in asking and answering interview questions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Throughout the event, the participants enjoyed refreshments that further allowed mingling and exchanging ideas related to career paths (Figure 3). The drinks and snacks were generously provided by the Department of Infectious Disease, a Clinical Academic Training Office (CATO) Connect Grant, and FIDABIO.<\/p>\n

    Voices about the event:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Niall McIntyre \u2013 Research Associate with Dr Ravinash Krishna Kumar<\/strong>
    \nNiall, were the questions typically what you would expect in an interview?
    \n“The questions were quite broad, focusing on both technical and interpersonal skills. The questioning made me reflect significantly more on soft skills I have acquired throughout my research career, which I found more challenging to answer than questions directly about science. Overall, it was a very beneficial exercise and a good time to reflect.”<\/em><\/p>\n

    Dr In\u00eas Perp\u00e9tuo \u2013 Consultant at the Early Career Researcher Institute
    \n<\/strong>In\u00eas, based on your experience, what is the most effective way of preparing for upcoming interviews?
    \n“When you are applying for a role, you should do a bit of research on the employer\/university\/group\/team you are joining and make some notes to help you during the process.”<\/em><\/p>\n

    To prepare for an interview:<\/p>\n