Career Panel Series for ECRs

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

1–2 pm

• 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 4 September:

Andrew Allison started his career in academia, completing a PhD in Geography at the UoA on modelling complex human–environment systems. Over the past 20 years, he has worked widely in risk and resilience as a researcher, consultant, academic, operations executive, and leader across science, policy, insurance, and project management. Now a Technical Director and specialist in numerical modelling and decision support for climate change adaptation, Andrew draws on a rich mix of technical expertise and cross-sector experience. At this session, he will share insights on navigating career transitions, applying research skills in diverse contexts, and building a flexible, rewarding career beyond academia.

Eilya Torshizian is an applied economist and the founding director of Principal Economics, a consultancy established in 2020 that delivers nationally significant projects across sectors including infrastructure, climate, transport, housing, energy, and health. With a background spanning business ownership, academia, and public policy, Eilya has previously served as Principal Economist at NZIER and worked in the Chief Economist Unit at Auckland Council during the city’s housing crisis. He also lectures at the University of Auckland from time to time. Eilya brings a unique blend of quantitative expertise and entrepreneurial experience to his work.

Marta Tarczyluk-Wells began her career as a neuroscientist researching neurodegenerative diseases at King’s College London and the University of Auckland. She now works as a data scientist at Luma Analytics. With a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and a postgraduate diploma in Applied Data Science, Marta brings a unique perspective on leveraging research expertise to pivot successfully into emerging tech roles. She’ll share insights on navigating career change, upskilling, and making the leap beyond academia.