Spinning plates and navigating the tightrope: Leading from the Middle as an Early Career Researcher 

If you’re an early career researcher, chances are you’re already leading from the middle – even if no one’s called it that yet. You’re in that in-between space: not a student anymore, not (yet) a professor or PI. You’re expected to contribute to big-picture thinking, mentor junior colleagues, represent your team, and manage complex relationships with senior academics – all while progressing your own research and trying to secure your next career step. It’s a tough spot, and it can feel like you’re spinning plates while walking a tightrope. But the good news? You’re not alone – and there are skills you can develop to make this role not just manageable, but meaningful. 

What is ‘Leading from the Middle’?

Leading from the middle means having influence – without always having authority. You’re not in charge of everything, but people still look to you for guidance, clarity, and support. In a research context, that might mean: 

• Supervising a PhD or Masters student while still reporting to a PI. 
• Coordinating parts of a project that involve senior colleagues, funding partners, or external stakeholders. 
• Offering peer support or informal mentorship to junior team members. 
• Taking initiative to communicate your team’s achievements, or advocate for resources, even if it’s not officially “your job.” 

You’re a bridge – between your supervisor and junior staff or students, between strategy and implementation, between academic tradition and innovation. You could argue that it’s leadership, without the title. 

With over two decades of experience supporting researchers and academics, Dr Katy Mahoney has a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by early career researchers. Read on for some great hints and tips and how to register for an invaluable workshop to help you navigate this challenging role with confidence. 

Why it’s hard – and why it matters

One of the biggest challenges of leading from the middle is managing competing demands. You might feel stuck between delivering for your PI and supporting the students who rely on you. Or between focusing on your own research outputs and helping the broader team succeed. It’s easy to feel overlooked, under-supported, or unsure whether you’re “doing it right.” But the reality is: this space is where real leadership starts. Learning how to build trust, communicate clearly, set boundaries, and influence without formal authority will serve you long after you leave your current role. 

Hints and tips for Leading from the Middle: 

Be clear about your own needs: Don’t lose sight of your research goals. Practice advocating for time, space, and support – just as you would for a colleague. 

Know what’s yours to carry: You’re supportive, not solely responsible. Be clear on boundaries when supervising or mentoring – and know when to escalate things. 

Build up, don’t buffer: Managing upwards doesn’t mean shielding your PI from problems. It means offering insights, solutions, and respectful honesty when something isn’t working. 

Practice two-way mentoring: Support your junior colleagues, yes – but learn from them too. And don’t forget that peer support is powerful: find your allies. 

Learn the language of impact: Whether you’re applying for funding, reporting to a stakeholder, or showcasing your team’s work – being able to talk about value and outcomes is key. 

Want to find out more? 

Katy is leading C-DICE’s upcoming workshop, “Leading from the Middle: Empowering Early Career Researchers”. It’s online for two half days on 24 June & 1 July 2025, 09:15-13:00, so we hope you can fit this invaluable training around your other commitments.

Katy’s coaching style is known for its blend of humour, storytelling, and heartfelt reassurance, helping you navigate your professional role with confidence and resilience.  Here’s why you should attend: 

• Enhance your communication, supervision, and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Connect with peers and mentors who understand your journey.
• Build the confidence to navigate your current role and prepare for future leadership positions. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your leadership approach and make a meaningful impact in your research career. Register now and take the first step towards leading from the middle with confidence.