How to find a research job

This article is part of the network’s archive of useful research information. This article is closed to new comments due to inactivity.  We welcome new content which can be done by submitting an article for review or take part in discussions in an open topic or submit a blog post to take your discussions online.

To find jobs which suit you, first consider what you want in terms of location, salary, roles and responsibilities, and so on. You can then use a range of means to find jobs which you want to apply for by using local research publications and local newspapers, groups, etc – but also perusing the global jobs websites listed on Global Health Trials’ job opportunities pages:

https://globalhealthtrials.tghn.org/research-careers/jobs/, and any other websites you might find (if you know of others we haven’t listed, let us know by emailing info@globalhealthtrials.org). 

Once you’ve created a shortlist of jobs to apply for, take time to look at each one thoroughly, in turn. Write notes on each one which outlines:

• What particular skills they are seeking - don’t just assume that all jobs with the same job title are looking for the same skill set. Each workplace is different, and the job description will give you clues into what the employers are seeking in an employee. For example, a trial coordinator might nor might not be responsible for a team of other people, and you’d need to check this for each role. 
• What are the essential criteria and what are the desirable criteria. If you have all the desirable criteria, you will want to state this in your letter.
• How do they want you to apply? This is very important. Most employers will simply discard your application if you don’t apply correctly – for example, if they say ‘apply with cover letter and CV’, and you only send your CV with no cover letter, this implies that you are not very good at following instructions and therefore will instantly be disregarded. Some workplaces will have a specific application procedure requiring you to fill out the application online, and upload your CV. Others will simply want you to post a cover letter and CV to them, or email it.
• What questions you have about the role.

Once you clearly understand the job and have written these notes, you can tailor your CV and write your cover letter (see relevant articles).

You can read more about applying for jobs here:

http://www.jobs.ac.uk/careers-advice/jobseeking-tips/2014/top-101-job-tips-how-to-find-a-job-succeed-in-the-job-and-progress-in-your-career/ 

http://www.cv-library.co.uk/jobsearchingadvice.html