In this episode of The Bold PhD podcast, host Dr. Gertrude Nonterah sat down with Dr. Danielle Taschereau Mamers to discuss the realities of pursuing academic careers, the turning point that led her away from the tenure track, and how she built a fulfilling career beyond the classroom. Their conversation offers valuable frameworks and lessons for anyone searching for PhD jobs after graduation.
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The Postdoc Path and the Turning Point
Dr. Mamers candidly shared that she completed three postdoctoral fellowships, believing each was the final step toward securing a tenure-track role. She invested deeply in publishing, writing, and teaching, building a portfolio she thought would be irresistible to selection committees. But as the opportunities failed to materialize, she began to question not just the timeline, but whether she truly wanted the professor’s life.
The turning point came during a four-day online writing workshop for humanities scholars. Listening to faculty share stories of toxic environments, separation from partners, and burnout made her realize happiness would not magically appear on the other side of a tenure-track job. When she was offered a fourth postdoc with poor pay and little relevance to her field, she knew it was time to pivot.
Start with Curiosity and Networking
Dr. Mamers approached her career shift as a research project. With no clear idea of what jobs existed outside academia, she began with the people she already knew. Her first informational interviews were with former colleagues—PhDs who had transitioned into university administration. Each conversation led to referrals, expanding her understanding of roles such as research development officers, awards officers, and partnership coordinators.
She emphasized that networking is a skill you can learn. Rather than asking for a job, she asked clear, curiosity-driven questions:
- What does your job involve?
- What does a typical week look like?
- What skills are essential in your role?
This reframing made informational interviews less intimidating and more productive.
Decode Job Descriptions
Reading job postings became another key tool. Though the language often felt abstract, Dr. Mamers treated postings as measurement devices. She mapped her academic skills onto job requirements—managing a $3,000 research grant, for instance, mirrored the skills needed to manage a $3 million budget. By breaking tasks into transferable skills, she learned to see her experience as relevant and competitive.
She also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between roles that require certifications, like project management, and those where a PhD alone provides sufficient qualifications.
Focus on Verbs, Not Nouns
One of the most practical takeaways from Dr. Mamers was to focus less on titles and more on actions. Instead of anchoring identity in nouns like “professor” or “managing director,” she encouraged PhDs to ask: What verbs describe the work I want to do every day? Facilitating? Writing? Organizing? Communicating? This shift helps applicants identify roles that align with their strengths and values, regardless of title.
Lessons for PhD Job Seekers
- Start with your network – Even casual connections can open doors.
- Translate academic skills – Budgeting, mentoring, and writing all carry over.
- Learn the language of job ads – This will help you position your skills effectively.
- Focus on fulfillment, not titles – Align daily tasks with your energy and values.
Final Takeaway
Dr. Danielle Taschereau Mamers’ journey shows that the search for PhD jobs is less about abandoning academic training and more about reframing it. By researching roles, networking with intention, and reflecting on what work brings joy, PhDs can build careers that are both meaningful and sustainable—inside or outside academia.