Graduate profile: Dr Shiri Einav
"I feel extremely lucky when I think about my PhD experience at Bristol. It was a period of intense work but also great fun and happy times. I loved being a part of Psychology – there was a real collegiate feel to the department and I formed strong friendships not only with fellow PhD students but also with many lecturers and support staff."
What programme did you study at Bristol?
Please describe your current role and responsibilities
I’m a lecturer and researcher at the School of Psychology, University of Nottingham. My research and teaching expertise is in the field of developmental psychology.
I also teach first year lab classes as well as supervising tutorials, final year project students and Masters students. I am on the organising committee for Summer Scientist Week – an annual public engagement and research event for four to 11 year-olds and their parents.
Summarise your career since leaving Bristol
A couple of months after completing my PhD in 2005 I was fortunate to get a research assistant position at Oxford University. I then held a teaching fellowship position at the University of Nottingham for a year before returning to Oxford to take up a Postdoctoral Fellowship position funded by from the ESRC.
I then took up a three year Early Career Fellowship at Oxford Brooks University, which turned into a lectureship in 2011. In September 2013, I returned to Nottingham where I am an Assistant Professor at the School of Psychology.
How would you describe your experience at Bristol?
Being surrounded by world-class experts and first rate facilities (particularly at the Bristol Cognitive Development Centre where I was based) made for an incredibly stimulating and motivating environment in which to work. I remember having a real sense of pride that I was affiliated to Bristol University whenever I attended international conferences.
How did your qualification help you in your career?
A PhD is essential for a career in academia. I’m sure that obtaining this qualification from Bristol which has a fantastic reputation must have helped!
Do you have any advice for someone considering studying Psychology?
Studying Psychology is hugely rewarding both in terms of the fascinating content of the course and the diverse toolkit of skills that it equips you with, such as the ability to think analytically and critically, and to work independently.
These will be of benefit to you whatever career path you choose to take subsequently.
