Post-PhD research: The trails and tribulations of beginning post-doctoral research following a PhD

In a panel in 2005 speakers argued that the transition from being a PhD student to being a full member of the IS community is a period of significant difficulty and change for which IS community support is somewhat lacking (with a few notable exceptions such as ICIS junior faculty camp). Within the 2005 panel’s discussion significant emphasis was given the difficulties of establishing a new research direction following the PhD; the topic of this new panel. Here we bring together an panel representing academics from across Europe with a range of experiences. Our aim is to continue to develop a stream of support for new faculty within the European Information Systems field. The panel will consider topics such as: • When to begin new post-doctoral research: It is crucial to balance the need to write papers from the PhD, with the need to initiate new research. Leaving it too late risks and empty pipeline, too early and the writing slows down. • The difficulties of gaining funding: Gaining a research grant is always a laborious process with no guarantee of success. We discuss the issues associated with applying for funding, and the problems this presents. • Joining others or going it alone: Many junior faculty join existing research projects as Post-docs and research officers. This presents its own unique challenges, from recruitment, working with other academics, undertaking joint research, and needing to publish from ones PhD. • Starting new research before finishing the PhD. While the title of this panel implies a linear sequence from PhD to the next research challenge, many are faced within writing up their PhD while undertaking a different research project (perhaps as a research officer). We will discuss this challenge. This panel will provide an open and relaxed debate and intends provide a candid, reflexive account of the panel members experiences, so covering this issue from the perspective of both junior and senior faculty. Significant time will be allocated to an open discussion on the issues with the audience, and those attending are invited to raise their own concerns and share their own experiences.