Balancing a fulfilling career with personal responsibilities can be a daunting task, especially for individuals who have taken a break to care for their loved ones or for health reasons. Returning to a research career can be especially challenging. However, the Daphne Jackson Trust understands the immense value and untapped potential of these “non-linear” individuals.

Dr Gillian Halket found herself in that category after taking a 6-year career break after her 3^rd child. “When applying for roles I felt I was hitting a brick wall, but when I spoke with the trust I instantly felt supported”. She was granted a Fellowship which she completed in 2020, and afterwards Gillian worked in research support and coordination in a world-leading pharmaceutical manufacturing research centre at the University of Strathclyde. She had set her eyes on joining The Daphne Jackson Trust and this role – along with shadowing a research manager at Strathclyde – gave her the experience she needed to join the Daphne Jackson team as a Fellowship Advisor.

“You have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact to people’s lives. You become a champion to a talented researcher looking to get back to their career. It’s extremely rewarding”.

The Daphne Jackson Trust has a current opportunity for a Fellowship Advisor to join the wonderful team. “lf I had to describe the Daphne Jackson Trust in just three words, they would be; supportive, encouraging and hopeful. I thoroughly enjoy being part of  the team at the Trust, as a Fellow and now as an advisor. Moving into the Fellowship Advisor role has given me such a unique opportunity as a former Fellow, to make a difference to peoples lives,  supporting them to reach their potential and restart their careers, a goal I can truly relate to. I would highly recommend joining the team if you want to give something back to the research community.”

To read more about this role please click here. If you would like to ask questions, Gillian would be more than happy to hear from you. Please email her on g.halket@surrey.ac.uk.