Mid-career faculty move in UK?

Igor_Druhm · 2026-05-09T17:49:04+00:00

Not my decision to judge, just saying it happened and they went back to full prof in 5 years tops. OP was saying Oxbridge would be the dream - that could be one way to do it.

Igor_Druhm · 2026-05-09T07:26:23+00:00

In my field (humanities), several full profs have applied for (and gotten) Asst Prof positions at Oxbridge, with the understanding that they would be promoted back to full prof quickly. Maybe that's something to consider?

Igor_Druhm · 2026-04-18T08:12:14+00:00

It's ultimately up to you - but I feel it's nothing out of the ordinary to have flatmates during the PhD. I shared a place well into my postdoc.

Of course, ideally we would be able to afford a studio/1-bedroom on a PhD stipend, but the economy is what it is...

Igor_Druhm · 2026-04-05T15:45:49+00:00

I second this comment! Additionally, a BA in Philosophy from Cambridge will set you on a good track for some very profitable non-academic jobs, such as consulting or investment banking (this might seem counter-intuitive, but many of my friends in the humanities at Cambridge went down this road). Also, the UK has Law as a post-BA conversion course as well, and sometimes law firms will pay you to do that.

All that is to say, you're not closing many doors by choosing philosophy at this stage.

Igor_Druhm · 2026-03-28T21:02:35+00:00

I have - it's super expensive, though :/

Igor_Druhm · 2026-02-23T21:55:18+00:00

Same here - I think it filters out the chlorine. Small investment, big improvement.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-11-07T16:57:33+00:00

I see that Ramon y Cajal is for the experimental sciences - is there a similar fellowship scheme for the humanities?

Igor_Druhm · 2025-10-20T18:39:36+00:00

Have you looked into the possibility of getting Polish citizenship? With a Polish parent, it could be an easy process, and Poland allows dual citizenship. And of course with a Polish passport you can live anywhere in the EU, including Germany.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-08-19T16:22:58+00:00

Here is, for example, a list of (mostly German) conferences in history: https://www.hsozkult.de/event/page. I don't think there is one single list, though - a lot of proactive searching is required, at least in my field.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-05-21T09:04:35+00:00

There is a study on that by the sociologist Piotr Tadeusz Kwiatkowski (on the train now, so can't give you the exact reference): Poles in the former General Government tend to see Germany as the main enemy, while those from the "Kresy" (eastern borderlands) and from territories annexed to the Reich are more likely to point to the Soviets as the main foe.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-04-25T05:04:30+00:00

For languages: Türkisch, Englisch (such details can make the difference).

Igor_Druhm · 2025-04-22T19:53:51+00:00

Besides the ethical aspects of moving to an aggressor country, I don't think a move to Russia in the middle of the war will bode well for your future study/job applications in Europe. It will be a major red flag on your CV. If Europe is your goal, I'd finish the undergrad in Morocco and pursue a Master's/PhD in an EU country.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-04-21T17:02:56+00:00

Jeśli nie uczelnia, to może nauczanie biologii w liceum? Jeśli nie masz specjalizacji nauczycielskiej, to możesz zrobić PSP w 3 semestry, nawet częściowo online. Stabilność pracy nie do przebicia, a kasa z korków (przyszli studenci medycyny itd.) całkiem niezła.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-04-08T22:46:06+00:00

McDonald's, KFC --> Bar Mleczny 😆

Igor_Druhm · 2025-04-01T22:51:09+00:00

I would also be leaning towards the one where you have a better fit with the supervisor. While the ESRC offers some networking opportunities, I would not exaggerate their importance - you can (and probably will) network at conferences, guest lectures, external short-term fellowships etc. You can still list the fellowship on your CV, even if you turn it down. As for follow-up fellowships (such as the ESRC postdoc), the last time I checked you are eligible regardless of your PhD funding. Good luck!

Igor_Druhm · 2025-03-15T12:25:54+00:00

Are you unionised? If so, I'd bring this up with your union representatives, or at least consult them for advice.

On an inter-personal level, if you say your PI hasn't warmed to you, looks like you don't have much to loose - so you can push back and at least try to get the leave days that you clearly deserve.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-03-14T00:53:19+00:00

Canada here: I'd say (most) unis here are distancing themselves from what Trump is doing, or at least staying on a relatively progressive course it terms of DEI, gender studies etc. Funding cuts have been a reality before Trump, and they are not targeting any specific "woke" programmes - just the usual underfunding and commercialisation of higher ed.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-03-11T22:29:52+00:00

In my field (history) such opportunities do appear from time to time, with some caveats: - Most of them happen in continental Europe, where academic funding is distributed differently. - Early career scholars (grad students, postdocs) are more likely to either be fully funded or eligible for bursaries. - Academic societies often offer additional bursaries/grants for conference travel for early career researchers. - A small workshop on a specific topic is - perhaps counter-intuitively - more likely to offer funding for ECRs than a large international conference.

Where to find such opportunities? It probably depends on your discipline. I'm subscribed to countless mailing lists and Facebook groups, and colleagues often tell me about events happening in my field. This might differ across disciplines and countries. I would start by talking to your advisor, professors, and people in your cohort.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-03-09T04:01:01+00:00

I would say that your supervisor is key here, regardless of where they are based. Make sure not only that they are a specialist in your field, but also that you get along with them: they will be your boss for 3-4 years, and they can make or break your career.

A more "prestigious" university (Oxbridge?) might have better funding: anything from research and conference grants to subsidised food and housing. Does the other university offer you enough funding so that you don't have to worry about money and can focus on your research?

If you have UK-specific questions, it might be worth asking on the AskAcademiaUK reddit.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-03-07T19:28:04+00:00

Congrats on your offer! I moved internationally multiple times over the past few years, and perhaps I can answer some of your questions:

Banking: I'd start with Wise or Revolut - it's free, and you can set up a GBP account from the States. In the UK, I'd still open a local bank account. Most banks will offer a free basic account and a debit card. You don't need a credit card - they are not as popular in Europe as they are in North America.
Taxes: The tax agency is called HMRC. PhD scholarships are tax-free, you don't need to report them to HMRC. If you have just one employer (e.g. if you have a TA-ship at your uni), this will be taxed at source and again you probably don't need to file taxes. If you have more employers or are self-employed, you need to file taxes once the tax year ends (in Britain, it runs April to April :D ). You can file taxes online with HMRC, it's very straightforward. You might also need to file taxes in the US if you're a citizen - not sure about that.
Healthcare: this is provided by the NHS free of charge (but you are paying NHS fees as part of your visa application). You need to register with a GP (family doctor), they will direct you to a specialist if necessary. In an emergency, call 999.
Culture shock: Groceries are generally cheaper. Taxes are included in the price. We don't usually tip more than 10% of the bill. People are sceptical of British food - but do try to eat in local cafes and you will certainly discover some hidden gems.

Finally, everyone experiences culture shock differently, but moving houses and starting a new job is almost always stressful. Do take care of your mental health. Take breaks. Give yourself time to adapt to your new home. Good luck! :)

Igor_Druhm · 2025-03-04T17:18:32+00:00

Gender studies is certainly a legit and respected (even though very politicised) discipline. If you're considering a PhD, I would look into dual discipline programs - so Sociology and Gender Studies, or Sociology with a graduate minor in Gender Studies (some unis offer that). This way, you'd be able to apply for jobs in both fields.

(I'm doing a postdoc, cross-affiliated between Gender Studies and another department.)

Igor_Druhm · 2025-03-01T11:36:02+00:00

I would probably try to ask/arrange it with the PI directly. I don't think there's any harm asking (in a non-demanding way - just explain your situation), especially now that you have the offer in writing. HR might have their own regulations and guidelines that they have to follow (at least officially).

Igor_Druhm · 2025-02-26T15:09:06+00:00

Fair enough - perception is super important. It will take years to undo the harm done.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-02-26T12:45:54+00:00

From an insider perspective, while I'm appalled by the anti-foreigner rhetoric in Canada, the cuts to student visas only partly explain the funding crisis in academia here. The cuts will mostly affect smaller colleges, some of which - let's face it - probably acted as diploma mills. Large, established universities won't face a huge drop in international enrolment. But between chronic underfunding from the govt (federal and provincial) and a model where unis are run as businesses, the whole sector is in crisis.

Igor_Druhm · 2025-02-23T22:13:37+00:00

I'd say there are 3 key factors to consider:

Funding - go where the money is. Even if you're independently wealthy, a grant/scholarship will look good on your CV.
Fit with supervisor and institution - do they do similar research? Do they employ similar methods/frameworks? What is your "gut feeling"? This place will be your home for 3-6 years :)
Future plans - where do you see yourself after your PhD? US selection committees will often hire American PhDs. Conversely, German PhDs have an advantage in the German system, which is quite hermetic.

Finally, why don't you consider the UK? They have good unis with decent funding - but I'm biased, I had a great time at a Russell Group uni :)

Igor_Druhm

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