Sarah McLusky of the Research Adjacent Podcast

Welcome to a special collaborative episode of “Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD” featuring Sarah McClusky, host of the Research Adjacent podcast. In this conversation, David Mendes sits down with Sarah to explore the often overlooked world of research-adjacent careers—the roles, paths, and opportunities for PhDs and researchers beyond traditional academic tracks. Sarah draws on her extensive experience as a freelance consultant, trainer, and facilitator, sharing her journey from plant pathology and biochemistry into the wide-ranging ecosystem of research support, management, and communication. She candidly discusses the challenges many graduate students face as they near the end of their degree, offering practical advice on how to identify and leverage transferable skills, tell compelling stories in job applications, and confidently step into new professional spaces. Together, David and Sarah shine a light on the diverse roles that make research successful—from grant managers to science communicators, policy advisors, and beyond—and discuss why these careers, though sometimes hidden, are valuable, fulfilling, and increasingly essential in the research landscape.

Sarah McClusky is an editor and podcast contributor passionate about bridging the gap between academia and research-adjacent careers. On her podcast, Sarah empowers listeners with practical advice about navigating non-traditional roles, highlighting the importance of concrete examples over generic claims. Drawing from her own experience earning a PhD and leading outreach projects with local schoolchildren, she demonstrates how storytelling and real-life accomplishments can make candidates stand out. Sarah’s approach guides job seekers to focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and tangible impacts—key qualities she believes matter most beyond degrees and qualifications.

What we covered in the interview:

📣 Concrete Examples > Bold Claims: When applying for research-adjacent jobs, don’t just claim you have great communication or management skills. Share specific, real-life stories from your PhD where you demonstrated those abilities. Examples win interviews.
💪 Transferable Skills Are Key: Curiosity, flexibility, and interpersonal skills will always be in demand, even as job titles and tasks evolve. Leverage the problem-solving and communication chops that your research journey has given you.
🎯 Your PhD Is an Asset, Not a Limitation: The path from PhD to impactful career isn’t always a straight line—and that’s okay! You might start at a lower level, but your expertise and ability to learn quickly can help you advance faster than you think.

🔍 If you’re starting to explore career options or want to shine a light on the unsung heroes behind great research, I highly recommend checking out the “Research Adjacent” podcast and our latest episode together. Let’s celebrate all the diverse ways we can drive research forward, in and beyond academia!

💬 Have you navigated a “research-adjacent” path? Share your story or tips below!

🔗See the resources section below for her links!

This episode’s resources: