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Postdoc Academy Training

Postdoc Academy course timetable

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Wed 13 Sep 2023 – Fri 24 Nov 2023

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September 2023

Wed 13
Postdoc Welcome Event & Networking Finished 10:00 - 11:30 Postdoc Centre @ Biomedical Campus, Newman Library

This event is a must-attend information session for new postdocs, whether University-based or employed by Colleges or Research Institutions.

It will also serve as a reopening event for the Postdoc Centre on the Biomedical Campus, with the main information session being followed by informal networking (optional) for new and existing postdocs, key figures from the Cambridge entrepreneurial community, and representatives from the Postdoc Academy.

There is an opportunity to have your researcher profile displayed at the centre, to help others connect with you. To register for the networking/submit a profile, please complete the separate form: https://bit.ly/BMCNetworking

During the information event, you will be given information about:

  • Your contract
  • Professional development and the Careers Service
  • How to connect to the wider postdoc community at Cambridge
  • You will also meet representatives from various University services who may be helpful to you while you are working in Cambridge.
Fri 22
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 10:00 - 12:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Thu 28

Do you find it difficult to stay on track in the pursuit of your career aspirations? Or would you like to improve your ability to set achievable goals?

In this one-hour interactive masterclass, you will:

  • learn to apply a well-established goal-setting technique (SMART goals) that will support you in realising your career aspirations
  • have the opportunity to discuss and develop your long- and short-term goals with support from your peers
  • acquire strategies for holding yourself accountable.

By the end of this session, you should have developed at least one goal that will lead to progress within your overall career plan and strategies for holding yourself accountable.

October 2023

Tue 3
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Group Dynamics and Effective Teams new Finished 10:30 - 13:00 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

Do you worry about conflict and disagreement in your team? Do you use strategies to avoid conflict? Do you want to better understand how groups and teams function in order to improve your productivity?

Conflict and disagreement are a natural and inevitable part of group development. What’s important is how this is dealt with.

In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to:

  • learn about some key theories on group/team development
  • examine strategies to address disagreement in a way which enables you to achieve your team’s goals
  • look at some real-world conflict scenarios and apply strategies
  • work on a situation from your own context and get feedback.

This workshop is for anyone who works as part of a team and wants to better understand how teams function, or if you are an aspiring team leader looking for strategies to manage teams.

Thu 5
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 14:00 - 16:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Tue 10

This short, interactive session will introduce the fundamental principles of Lean - a methodology which prioritises continuous improvement and respect for people.

Lean is a philosophy and way of working which removes waste from activities and ensures that emphasis is given to tasks that provide added value. Originally developed by Toyota, it is now widely used across many sectors including the NHS and Higher Education.

During this masterclass for postdocs, you will:

  • gain a high-level understanding of continuous improvement tools and techniques, and how you can apply them
  • develop skills to identify and remove waste in your day-to-day activities to become more effective and efficient.
Wed 11
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 10:00 - 12:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Pensions Explained for Postdocs Finished 12:30 - 14:00 Postdoc Centre @ Biomedical Campus, Newman Library

In this session, you will learn about:

  • The State Pension system in the UK
  • Private Pensions in the UK
  • The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)

The session will be delivered by Head of Group Pensions at the University of Cambridge, and there will be ample opportunity for asking questions.

Thu 12
Mid-Contract Check-In for Postdocs Finished 12:30 - 14:30 Online

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for this event is now closed.

This event is for postdocs near the mid-point of their current contract at Cambridge and has been designed specifically for this key career stage to help you position yourself for the next step in your career (in academia or otherwise).

This interactive online session will cover:

  • What next - reflecting on your professional development and identifying what you would like to achieve during the rest of your contract.
  • How could you get there - sharing ideas for how to achieve your development goals, focus on key professional development topics, and where to find information and support across the University.
  • Action planning - gain tools to ensure you know when and how to take the next steps during your remaining time as a postdoc.
  • Q&A - informal discussion with the facilitators and other participants.

Please also complete this form when you make a booking so that we can tailor the session to suit the needs of participants. Your booking will be approved upon our receipt of this form.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for this event is now closed.

Wed 18

This short, interactive workshop will introduce you to practical tools that will help you test and refine how you are articulating your research vision.

We will not generate ideas for new research projects in the session but, rather, explore what makes a potential research topic compelling. We will also explore how you can assess whether your ideas add up to a vision that is bold, exciting, coherent, and – hopefully – fundable.

This session would benefit researchers at the initial stages of developing a proposal for funding, and may work well as preparation for one of our sessions on Writing Fellowship Grants with Impact.

We will not review specific funding schemes or application materials in this workshop.

Thu 19
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 14:00 - 16:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Fri 20
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 10:00 - 12:30 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Thu 26
Postdoc Academy Workshop: What is Research Leadership? new Finished 14:00 - 16:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

As you progress in your career, you will have to navigate the transition from being managed and supervised by others, to taking on leadership of projects and people for the first time.

Using our own experience of leadership, along with discussion and theories, we will look at a variety of aspects of successful leadership within the research and innovation context.

This workshop will provide an opportunity for you to:

  • think about your aims in terms of leadership
  • take stock of your own leadership attributes and experience
  • identify how to further develop your research and innovation leadership potential.
Tue 31
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 10:00 - 12:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

November 2023

Thu 2
Immigration Info Session for Postdocs Finished 12:30 - 14:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

With ever developing complexities in the UK’s immigration system, Graeme Ross, the University’s Head of Immigration for staff matters, conducts termly briefing sessions for non-UK postdocs holding UK visas.

These commonly cover the ‘basic’ work visas, such as Skilled Worker and Global Talent, and how to switch into or extend these in order to remain in the UK.

However additional guidance on applications for dependents and Indefinite Leave to Remain/Settlement is also covered.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions about other immigration matters; not all of these may be answered on the day but would be followed up individually as needed.

Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 14:00 - 16:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Mon 6
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 10:00 - 12:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Tue 7

In the increasingly competitive field of fellowship funding, your applications need to stand out immediately.

During this online masterclass for early career researchers, you'll learn key considerations for preparing a strong fellowship application. 

The session will explore:

  • desirability, feasibility and viability
  • what’s important to the funder
  • elements of successful applications
  • how to plan for impact.

It will consist of a 60-minute talk, followed by 30 minutes for you to ask questions.

Thu 9

Would you like to focus better on the work that is important to you? Do you find you have too many distractions and struggle to prioritise?

In this 1-hour online session, you will learn techniques to help you:

  • enhance your focus on your most important work
  • reduce distraction and prioritise more effectively
  • establish daily habits to relieve stress, reduce self-criticism and strengthen resilience
  • create space to recognise your achievements each day.

The session is followed by a 4-day Nudge Course. This provides one technique per day to help you convert the techniques you’ve learned into useful habits.

For 48 hours following the session, you will also have the opportunity to contact Joy, a mental health nurse with over 40 years’ experience. Joy will offer a confidential listening ear and signpost you to further support.

Wed 15
Postdoc Welcome Event Finished 11:00 - 12:00 Online

A must-attend virtual session with information tailored to postdocs in Cambridge, whether University-based or employed by Colleges or Research Institutions.

At this event, you will be given information about:

  • Your contract
  • Professional development and the Careers Service
  • How to connect to the wider postdoc community at Cambridge
  • You will also meet representatives from various University services who may be helpful to you while you are working in Cambridge.
Thu 16
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Introduction to Entrepreneurial Skills for all Researchers new Finished 10:30 - 12:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

Funders of academic research and employers of researchers are increasingly valuing individuals with entrepreneurial spirit and a broader set of skills that can be used to innovate and create impact from research.

Researchers with these skills are at an advantage when applying for permanent academic positions, securing research funding, or pursuing commercialisation opportunities.

This interactive session will introduce you to:

  • what an entrepreneurial mindset is and how all researchers can adopt and develop this to pursue their interests
  • the frameworks and tools that are used in the startup world to create compelling business opportunities
  • how you can adapt these to support innovative research, create impact, and secure grant or fellowship funding
  • how to create your personal "elevator pitch" to introduce yourself and create new opportunities at networking events or to future employers.
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 14:00 - 16:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Wed 22
Postdocs: Resilient Leadership in Action (1 of 9) Finished 09:30 - 12:00 Online

Resilient Leadership in Action is a nationally recognised, practical training programme delivered online in collaboration with several other institutions (including hosts King's College London and University College London). This programme offers a unique opportunity to reshape your ideas about being a leader and expand your leadership skills, supported by experienced coaches and fellow researchers from different disciplines and institutions.

The programme will also help you to:

  • understand the impact of leadership styles on those being led
  • influence people towards a common goal/purpose
  • receive feedback on your own leadership styles and identify how these can be developed further
  • engage with researchers from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and career stages.

What happens during the course?

This course will support you to develop a range of leadership skills through the act of applying them, rather than focusing on leadership theory.

Activities The course is based around seven activities, the first six of which are designed to explore a different aspect of leadership and provide a practical insight into how leadership works. In the final activity, you will address a leadership activity that you can continue beyond the course.

You will work with others in teams of six with a coach to help you make sense of the activities.

  • Session 1: Leading Problem Solving
  • Session 2: Activity Review, Contracting and Values
  • Session 3: Leading Public Engagement
  • Session 4: Leading Strategy Development
  • Session 5: Leading Creative Production
  • Session 6: Resilient Decision Making and Leadership Presence
  • Session 7: Leading Multiple Tasks
  • Session 8: Leading Crisis Management
  • Session 9: Leading Your Vision Presentations and Conclusion

Buddies and home groups Throughout the course you will work alongside your "buddy", who is another course participant. Together you will share your experiences and provide mutual support, developing key co-coaching skills in the process.

You will also have a “home group” where you consolidate your learning.

Resilient leadership Underlying everything is the Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework you can use to support your learning.

Application deadline is XXX

Thu 23
Postdocs: Resilient Leadership in Action (2 of 9) Finished 09:30 - 12:00 Online

Resilient Leadership in Action is a nationally recognised, practical training programme delivered online in collaboration with several other institutions (including hosts King's College London and University College London). This programme offers a unique opportunity to reshape your ideas about being a leader and expand your leadership skills, supported by experienced coaches and fellow researchers from different disciplines and institutions.

The programme will also help you to:

  • understand the impact of leadership styles on those being led
  • influence people towards a common goal/purpose
  • receive feedback on your own leadership styles and identify how these can be developed further
  • engage with researchers from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and career stages.

What happens during the course?

This course will support you to develop a range of leadership skills through the act of applying them, rather than focusing on leadership theory.

Activities The course is based around seven activities, the first six of which are designed to explore a different aspect of leadership and provide a practical insight into how leadership works. In the final activity, you will address a leadership activity that you can continue beyond the course.

You will work with others in teams of six with a coach to help you make sense of the activities.

  • Session 1: Leading Problem Solving
  • Session 2: Activity Review, Contracting and Values
  • Session 3: Leading Public Engagement
  • Session 4: Leading Strategy Development
  • Session 5: Leading Creative Production
  • Session 6: Resilient Decision Making and Leadership Presence
  • Session 7: Leading Multiple Tasks
  • Session 8: Leading Crisis Management
  • Session 9: Leading Your Vision Presentations and Conclusion

Buddies and home groups Throughout the course you will work alongside your "buddy", who is another course participant. Together you will share your experiences and provide mutual support, developing key co-coaching skills in the process.

You will also have a “home group” where you consolidate your learning.

Resilient leadership Underlying everything is the Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework you can use to support your learning.

Application deadline is XXX

Fri 24
Postdocs: Resilient Leadership in Action (3 of 9) Finished 09:30 - 12:00 Online

Resilient Leadership in Action is a nationally recognised, practical training programme delivered online in collaboration with several other institutions (including hosts King's College London and University College London). This programme offers a unique opportunity to reshape your ideas about being a leader and expand your leadership skills, supported by experienced coaches and fellow researchers from different disciplines and institutions.

The programme will also help you to:

  • understand the impact of leadership styles on those being led
  • influence people towards a common goal/purpose
  • receive feedback on your own leadership styles and identify how these can be developed further
  • engage with researchers from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and career stages.

What happens during the course?

This course will support you to develop a range of leadership skills through the act of applying them, rather than focusing on leadership theory.

Activities The course is based around seven activities, the first six of which are designed to explore a different aspect of leadership and provide a practical insight into how leadership works. In the final activity, you will address a leadership activity that you can continue beyond the course.

You will work with others in teams of six with a coach to help you make sense of the activities.

  • Session 1: Leading Problem Solving
  • Session 2: Activity Review, Contracting and Values
  • Session 3: Leading Public Engagement
  • Session 4: Leading Strategy Development
  • Session 5: Leading Creative Production
  • Session 6: Resilient Decision Making and Leadership Presence
  • Session 7: Leading Multiple Tasks
  • Session 8: Leading Crisis Management
  • Session 9: Leading Your Vision Presentations and Conclusion

Buddies and home groups Throughout the course you will work alongside your "buddy", who is another course participant. Together you will share your experiences and provide mutual support, developing key co-coaching skills in the process.

You will also have a “home group” where you consolidate your learning.

Resilient leadership Underlying everything is the Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework you can use to support your learning.

Application deadline is XXX

Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 10:00 - 12:30 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).