Abstract

The Action Research on Research Culture project is an international collaboration investigating how changing the recruitment, development, and retention of researchers could improve research culture. In this four-year project we study a) how using Narrative CVs in live postdoc recruitments at the University of Cambridge changes the recruitment process and shortlisting outcomes, b) how expectations and affective experiences shape the postdoc experience, with a focus on the PI-postdoc relationship, and c) how postdocs trade-off different job characteristics, such as academic freedom and job security, when choosing their next role, whether redeployment may be suitable for mitigating job insecurity, and how job security, well-being, and research productivity relate in industry versus academia. I will present preliminary findings from our studies and outline next steps in the research process. As part of this talk, we would also be keen to learn about your experiences as a graduate student, postdoc, or PI/Professor – so please come along to share and discuss your insights and views with us.