Entry into Academia - Advice
Ok so a few days ago I wrote a post about my desire to work as an academic in psychiatry in an ideally hybrid clinical/academic role involved in qualitative research. I received some sparse but encouraging comments about this being viable. I had thought that the space for qualitative/theoretical research in psychiatry was approaching non-existent. I'm very very interested in the kind of research that looks at the intersections of the "bio-psycho-social" or in research that looks at the theoretical constitution of psychiatry and the psychology-psychiatry intersection. Appreciate this might be rare..
I've been reading about the different "paths into academia" lately and have boiled them down to the below. I am basically trying to chart a path for myself and I was wondering whether anybody could comment on the below paths by correcting, elaborating, adding, removing where appropriate? I've also embedded questions into each pathway and would appreciate if anybody could answer them.
The most standardised pathway which can begin with an Academic FP followed by an Academic Clinical Fellowship during Core Training followed by a Clinical Lecturer/Researcher as an SpR then an academic consultant working a hybrid job? I'm already a CT1 so obviously AFP is not an option. I have several publications (none where I'm the first author) over the past 7-8 years and have had two formal research posts. Sounds impressive but then again the lack of any first-author pubs is a glaring lack.
What are ACFs usually looking for in terms of a CV? I have 6 non-first-author publications, have done two clinical research posts full-time after qualifying. Published in the first one but couldn't during the second one (COVID).
Should I do an MSc before applying for an ACF? Do people usually get these funded, or will I have to take out a student loan for this?
What's the advantage of doing an MSc +/- an ACF over doing a PhD +/- ACF as core trainee or higher trainee? In other words, I've seen people do funded and self-funded PhDs without an MSc or ACF, seems like a simpler path, any disadvantages to doing this?
Engaging with research teams at any stage of training, publishing and building a research portfolio (ie just publications and reference letters) and possibly a research special interest day as an SpR. I wonder how this formally progresses into an academic post as a consultant? Do you show your experience without any "formal posts" (formal posts would be things like an ACF or PhD or postdoc fellowships) with publications and references and hope to get an academic post?
The thing I'm most confused about is what my concrete next step should be: A) MSc? B) Informal research engagement? C) Apply straight to an ACF even though I may not be competitive enough given the above? D) Wait a year or two and then do a PhD straight away either between CT and ST or after I start ST? Chances of getting this funded at each of these levels?
Sorry if my questions are half-baked but I'm trying to get my head around all of this and would appreciate any advice you can give.