Exploring career concerns and opportunities for UK-based early career researchers working in the field of eating disorders: Delphi study

BACKGROUND: Although there may be common challenges and opportunities for early career researchers (ECRs), those working in the field of eating disorders may face unique barriers and require tailored support. AIMS: The current study sought to explore consensus on career concerns and opportunities in eating disorder ECRs. METHOD: A three-stage Delphi model was conducted. Round 1 involved participants rating career concern and opportunity statements, with free-text responses. Researchers then generated a list of Delphi statements, which were shared in round 2, and participants were asked to indicate their level of agreement. A final round was shared, with median ratings from round 2 and the option to change or further expand on responses. Final consensus was calculated as percentage agreement. RESULTS: Career concerns reaching consensus included timeline pressures, personal sacrifices for roles, unclear career trajectories, job insecurity, funding concerns, fears of being pushed out of the field and pressures to publish. There was no consensus on a range of other concerns (work/life balance, isolation, mental health and well-being and power imbalances), suggestive of context-dependent experiences. Participants agreed that almost all the presented career opportunities were of importance to eating disorder ECRs. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that eating disorder ECRs face significant barriers toward remaining in the field. Although many concerns reflect broader ECR experience (limited research funding, associated job insecurity), some appear to be particularly exacerbated for ECRs working in the eating disorder field. Further research is needed to inform directions for tailored support strategies, such as peer support, mentoring schemes and increased funding from governing bodies.