Career Panel Series for ECRs: Exploring Career Paths Within and Beyond Academia

Are you an early career researcher or recent PhD graduate looking to explore your next career steps?

Join us for a webinar series where alumni who have completed a PhD or undertaken postdoctoral research at the UoA share how they have navigated diverse career pathways across academia, industry, government, non-profits, and beyond.

Panellists will talk about their career journeys, share practical advice on making career transitions, and answer your questions. Whether you’re considering staying in research, moving into professional roles within universities, or exploring opportunities outside academia, these sessions will provide valuable perspectives and inspiration.

There are 3 session, each with different panellists. Feel free to attend one or all! Select the date/s you wish to attend.

1–2pm

• Thursday 28 August

• Thursday 4 September

• Thursday 11 September

Format: Interactive Zoom sessions with Q&A

Audience: Early career researchers, doctoral candidates, and anyone interested in exploring diverse career opportunities post-PhD.

Panellists for 28 Aug:

Kat Poi (Tainui, Te Arawa, Tonga) is an educator and leader dedicated to creating meaningful change that drives equitable outcomes. She works with organisations across New Zealand and the South Pacific to help people address the construct of race through dialogue. Kat also serves on the boards of Ngā Puna o Waiōrea (Western Springs College) and Courageous Conversation Aotearoa Foundation. Currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Auckland, she combines research with hands-on coaching, consulting and programme design to support leaders in making positive, lasting impact.

Neil Birrell is a Research Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland, specialising in entomology and invertebrate biology. His research focuses on insects as food and feed, insect behaviour and sensory systems, and the systematics and ecology of New Zealand’s giant flightless weevils. Neil is an executive committee officer of the Entomological Society of New Zealand and was formerly Chair of TPM Whānau, a network of early career researchers in complex systems science. He also regularly engages with schools to promote science education.

Isaac Cleland From PhD to founder, Isaac is the creator of RosterLab, an AI-powered rostering platform transforming staffing in healthcare and beyond. After completing a PhD in Engineering Science at the University of Auckland, he transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship, turning his research into an award-winning venture.