Overview

Are you a woman postdoctoral researcher navigating the challenges of a research career? Do you ever wonder what’s next – whether within academia or beyond? Are you looking to strengthen your confidence, articulate your unique skills, and connect with a supportive community of women researchers?

Join the UNIque Book Club, a reflective and empowering space based on The UNIque Guide for Women: Confidently Embracing Your Career in Research and Beyond by Dr Emma Williams.

Through reading, discussion, and guided reflection, participants will explore how to navigate their research careers with clarity and confidence. You’ll connect with like-minded women, reflect on your values and strengths, and develop practical strategies for career progression.

Participants will receive a PDF copy of the book at no personal cost and take part in three interactive sessions exploring key themes from the guide, followed by a networking lunch to celebrate and reflect on progress. The sessions will be semi-structured but ultimately participant-led, creating a safe and supportive space to explore what matters most to you.

Session Details:

• Session 1: You and the University – Build connection with fellow book club members, explore the concept of “postdoc drift” and begin to explore potential career pathways. (3 February | 10:00 - 11:30 | Seminar Room, 63 University Road)
• Session 2: Exploring ‘You’ (You and Yourself) - Identify your values and strengths. Reflect on what makes you UNIque and how this can shape your professional journey. (17 February | 10:00 - 12:00 | Seminar Room, 63 University Road)
• Session 3: Progressing Your Career (You and Your Career) – with guidance from Jill Wright (Research Careers and Employability Officer) you’ll explore career decision-making and begin to translate the insights from session 1 and 2 into a clear, confident plan for your career development. (4 March | 10:00 - 12:00 | Seminar Room, 63 University Road)
• Session 4: Reflect on Your Learnings & Networking Lunch (25 March | 12:00 - 13:30 | Senate Room, Lanyon Building)

Participation and Commitment

While we encourage attendance at all sessions to gain the full benefit of the programme, we understand that this may not always be possible. If the programme is oversubscribed, priority will be given to participants who can attend all sessions.

About the Author

Dr Emma Williams is on a mission to enable researchers to take the next career step positively and proactively.  Harnessing her 30+ years in and around Higher Education – from physicist to training business owner – she speaks, writes and trains on all things researcher development.  Her favourite soapboxes include women’s development in Universities and encouraging researchers to investigate all things enterprising.

Emma's third book Leaving Academia: Ditch the Blanket, Take the Skills (2024) follows on from What Every Postdoc Needs to Know (2017/2024) and The UNIque Guide for Women: Confidently Embracing Your Career in Research And Beyond (2023).  She brings creativity, problem solving, empathy and usually a large coffee to her work.