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EMBL Fellows' Career Service

Career guidance for early career researchers in the life sciences and related fields

Fellows’ Complementary Skills Resources

Complementary skills are essential for early-career researchers to succeed in any scientific career. At EMBL, we follow a Competency Framework, created by the EMBL Fellows Career Service, that categorizes these skills into six key areas: scientific knowledge, scientific thinking, independence & leadership, communication, professionalism & effectiveness, and emotional intelligence.

The framework aims to help researchers identify, develop, and strengthen the abilities most relevant to their professional growth. The resources below, created by the EMBL Fellows’ Complementary Skills team, are organized according to these key areas, making it easier to explore and build your skills systematically.

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Take Action 1: Explore complementary skills and build your abilities

Complementary skills are organized into six key areas in the EMBL Fellows’ Competency Framework. Click the links below to explore resources for selected areas and start developing the skills that will strengthen your effectiveness, communication, and overall career readiness.

Communication

Communication skills are essential for PhD researchers to share their work clearly and effectively. This includes tailoring complex ideas for different audiences, creating clear data visualizations, delivering structured and engaging presentations and posters, and writing precise, well-organized scientific papers, grants, and proposals.

Professionalism & Effectiveness

Professionalism and Effectiveness are key skills for PhD researchers to work efficiently and responsibly. This includes staying organized, managing projects and time effectively, using resources wisely, and delivering high-quality work. It also involves integrity, ethical conduct, and responsible research practices.

Take Action 2: Further boost your skills with additional resources

Books

Books can support self-directed skill development and offer practical strategies for strengthening complementary skills. At EMBL, a selection of relevant titles is available in the EMBL Szilard Library.

Go to the next stage of career planning: Job search and preparation

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