On the job with.... Research Strategy Manager

EMCR Forum interview with Moira Clay
Twitter: @Loscienziato
Blog: https://moiraclay.wordpress.com/

What is your current occupation or position?

For the past 2 and a half years I have been running my own business in health and medical research strategy and management.

How did you get into research management?

I moved into research management 16 years ago. I had become actively involved in the Australian Society for Medical Research and this made me realise that my passion was to support, manage and advocate for the sector as a whole.

What do you enjoy most about working in research management?

I have the best job in research! I work with many different organisations to help them get the best outcomes from their research. I feel very privileged to be working with and helping world class researchers achieve amazing impact. I have a high degree of flexibility especially now I am running my own business. I can work from anywhere in the world thanks to technology.

What are the most challenging aspects about being a research manager?

The most challenging thing about running my own business is a very practical issue which is accessing the infrastructure (particularly computers and systems) that I need. Initially I found it a bit tricky not having a single organisational “home” and having to balance the needs of multiple clients. I continue to receive very valuable advice and insight from mentors, trusted colleagues and friends which has helped me manage this more effectively.

Describe a typical day in your job?

There is no such thing as a typical day for me. Every day is different. I may spend days working on a particular report or review for a client. I may then spend a week traveling around the country visiting clients. The best bit about what I do is that the majority of my time is spent working on projects and delivering a useful outcome for my clients.

What's exciting you about research management?

It is an exciting time to be in research! There are many challenges but there are also many opportunities to bring researchers together to work on and find answers to really significant and important issues for Australia. It will mean doing things differently – being more strategic, working in multi-disciplinary teams, measuring success in different ways, seeking funding from other areas such as industry. All of this is possible and is happening right now in some areas.

How did your PhD or postdoctoral research assist you with a career in research management?

My PhD has been my passport to my career. I could never have imagined back when I was doing my PhD that I would be running my own business and working with some of the finest medical research organisations in the country. I could not have done this without a PhD. My postdoctoral research (in the US and Australia) really helped me uncover what I love to do.

Any advice for EMCRs wishing to pursue a career in research management?

Do what you love and are hopefully reasonably good at! Think outside the square. Don’t be restricted by what some might see as “traditional” career paths. Decide what kind of organisation you would like to work with, who you would like to work with and what you would like to do and then make it happen! Network, know what’s out there and chase your dream.