Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Early Career Researcher, focusing on brain health and clinical research.
- Company: Brain Health Scotland is a leading network dedicated to dementia and brain health research.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in brain health while developing your skills in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Ideal for recent graduates with a passion for research and resilience in overcoming challenges.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to turn setbacks into opportunities in a meaningful field.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Today’s blog is from Jenny Waymont, who recently completed her PhD and is now working with Brain Health Scotland. Jenny shares insights about her career journey so far and lessons learned from challenging situations.
Towards the end of my BSc, my mental health declined due to poorly managed cPTSD, depression, and anxiety. During my MSc, I sustained a mild head injury that affected my concentration, memory, and speech for about six months. Despite these challenges, I completed my MSc, and later my PhD, even amid significant personal and global upheavals such as Brexit and the pandemic. I believed I had the resilience to succeed, but the reality was more complex, involving navigating socio-political crises and social isolation.
This isn’t a plea for sympathy. Despite everything, I see these experiences as character-building. They’ve taught me what I can survive and how to thrive. I’ve been fortunate to develop resilience through therapy and supportive circumstances, which helped me manage the pandemic experience relatively well.
However, finishing my PhD during a pandemic was still challenging. I couldn’t celebrate in traditional ways, and the period between finishing and securing a postdoc was stressful. I applied for numerous roles, ranging from those I was passionate about but underqualified for, to overqualified roles that didn’t excite me. Eventually, I applied for a research officer role with Brain Health Scotland, which aligned with my interests in clinical research and brain health. Since joining in December, I’ve faced new challenges and made tangible progress, turning initial setbacks into opportunities.
I often downplay my struggles, but my academic journey—earning a 2.1, distinctions, and passing my viva—was tough and painful at times. I believe that meaningful achievements require hard work, which includes taking care of oneself and recognizing personal limits. Despite the difficulties of 2020, it was also a year of growth and resilience. Perhaps, despite everything, we’re learning to find light in dark places.
The excerpt from the SDRC Annual Report 2021/22 by Dr. Mario Parra Rodriguez provides an overview of research in brain health informatics and technology. The SDRC is Scotland’s largest network dedicated to dementia and brain health research, fostering collaboration and community growth.
Early Career Researcher Profiles employer: Scottish Dementia Research Consortium
Contact Detail:
Scottish Dementia Research Consortium Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Career Researcher Profiles
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of brain health and clinical research. Attend relevant conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with others who share your interests. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and potential job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest research and developments in brain health. Follow key journals, blogs, and social media accounts related to this field. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also give you talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or taking on internships related to brain health research. Gaining hands-on experience can make you a more attractive candidate and help you build a portfolio that showcases your skills and dedication to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to research roles. Be ready to discuss your academic journey, challenges you've faced, and how you've developed resilience. Highlighting your personal growth can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Career Researcher Profiles
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the Early Career Researcher position. Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and experiences required.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any relevant research experience, particularly in clinical research or brain health. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Show Resilience and Adaptability: Given the challenges faced by many during their academic journeys, it’s important to convey your resilience and adaptability. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate how you overcame obstacles and what you learned from those experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to Brain Health Scotland specifically. Mention why you are passionate about their work and how your interests align with their mission in brain health research.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Dementia Research Consortium
✨Show Your Resilience
Given the challenges faced by many early career researchers, it's important to highlight your resilience during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've overcome obstacles in your academic journey, just like Jenny did. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Align Your Interests
When discussing your experience, make sure to connect your interests with the role you're applying for. Just as Jenny found a position that aligned with her passion for clinical research and brain health, you should articulate how your background and aspirations fit with the company's mission.
✨Prepare for Personal Questions
Be ready to discuss your personal journey, including any challenges you've faced. Interviewers may ask about your mental health or other struggles, so approach these topics with honesty and reflect on how they've shaped your professional growth.
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning
Highlight your commitment to personal and professional development. Discuss any additional training, workshops, or experiences that have contributed to your skills. This shows that you're proactive and dedicated to improving yourself, which is crucial in research roles.
