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Postdoc Academy Training

Postdoc Academy course timetable

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Tue 26 Mar – Tue 21 May

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March 2024

Tue 26
Immigration Info Session for Postdocs CANCELLED 13:00 - 15:00 Postdoc Centre@ Mill Lane, Eastwood Room

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.

Would you like to be more deliberate about what you say yes to, and become more confident at saying no?

In this 90 minute interactive workshop, you will gain insights into:

  • creating a strategic approach to saying yes
  • negotiating your workload
  • building confidence to say no to requests.

You will have the opportunity to explore how you can apply the theory in practice, and to discuss the challenges of saying no in an academic setting.

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

April 2024

Thu 4
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 14:00 - 16:10 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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Tue 9
EJRA Postdoc Information Session Finished 16:00 - 17:00 Online

Are you interested in pursuing a lectureship and/or long-term career at the University of Cambridge? Then you may be interested in contributing to discussions about a review of the Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) as one of the main aims is to provide opportunities for lectureships for early career researchers.

A Retirement Policy and EJRA Review Group was set up by Council last year to consider whether the University’s current EJRA has been successful in meetings its aims and whether the terms of the University’s Retirement Policy remain fit for purpose.

The group now wishes to give members of the University community an opportunity to hear about its findings and recommendations, ahead of a final version being considered by the University Council in April, and a full report being published after that meeting. A ballot of the Regent House on the report’s recommendations is scheduled for June 2024.

To ensure that postdocs and early career researchers are able to contribute to these ongoing discussions, members of the postdoc community are invited to a dedicated online session.

Speakers will include:

  • Professor Richard Penty, Chair of the EJRA Review Group
  • Dr Nino Läubli, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dept of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and member of the EJRA Review Group

Please note: it is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Wed 10
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Introduction to entrepreneurial skills for all researchers new Finished 10:00 - 12:00 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.

Please note: it is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Thu 18
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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Fri 19

Have you ever walked into a meeting and questioned your right to be there? Or taken on a new job and then felt you weren’t really the right person for it?

For many people, this is a common life experience and one which can be quite debilitating if left unchecked. This session focuses on identifying the set behaviours that are often referred to as ‘imposter syndrome’, and the implications they can have for yourself and your work environment.

During this session, you will:

  • find out more about ‘imposter syndrome’ and its prevalence among researchers and academics
  • identify the impact it can have on you and your work
  • learn about different ways to overcome it and thrive by being at your best.

Please note: it is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Mon 22
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 09:40 - 17:00 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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Tue 23
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Writing Skills for Researchers new Finished 10:00 - 12:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

Communicating your work well, through both writing and presenting, are important skills in any successful research career.

Writing well doesn’t come naturally to most people - feeling comfortable writing powerful papers is something we can learn through theory and practice. Dr Anna Ploszajski's career is living proof of that!

In this workshop, you will gain the skills you need to write confidently and engagingly to any future audience, be they professionals or the public.

It will cover:

  • how to tailor your message to your audience
  • how to structure like a creative story
  • practical tips on using English language to increase the impact of your words.

No prior experience of writing is required – this training is for everyone from folks who detest writing, to regular communicators looking to step up their game to the next level.

Please note: it is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Postdoc Academy Workshop: Presentation Skills for Researchers new Finished 13:30 - 16:00 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

Communicating your work well, through both writing and presenting, are important skills in any successful research career.

Presenting well doesn’t come naturally to most people - feeling comfortable giving strong presentations is something we can learn through theory and practice. Dr Anna Ploszajski's career is living proof of that!

In this workshop, you will gain the skills you need to speak confidently and engagingly to any future audience, be they professionals or the public.

It will cover:

  • how to tailor your message to your audience
  • how to structure like a creative story
  • practical tips on using body language to increase the impact of your words.

No prior experience of presenting is required – this training is for everyone from folks who detest presenting, to regular communicators looking to step up their game to the next level.

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Wed 24
Pensions Explained for Postdocs Finished 10:00 - 11:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

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.

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Fri 26
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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Mon 29

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.

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

May 2024

Thu 2
Virtual Writing Retreats Finished 14:00 - 16:10 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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Postdoc Academy Workshop: Introduction to entrepreneurial skills for all researchers new Finished 14:00 - 16:00 Postdoc Centre @ Biomedical Campus, Newman Library

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.

Please note: it is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Fri 3
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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Wed 8

Advanced Research Project Management -Blended Learning

This is a blended learning an online course with a combination of e-learning (2.5 hours of video and approx. 6-8 hours of project planning activities) and two live discussion sessions.

During the programme you will:

  • Explore different project management approaches and methodologies (APM / AGILE / PRINCEII), tools and techniques and how these can be applied when managing research projects
  • Examine how to effectively define the scope of a project including the delivery of outputs, impact and knowledge exchange
  • Discuss how to engage and manage expectations of stakeholders of the research project
  • Explore how to set up effective governance for research projects.
  • How to tailor project management plans to fit with research funders expectations
  • Utilise key planning, risk management, budgeting tools to effectively develop plans for the management of the delivery of research projects.
  • Develop approaches to effectively monitor and manage collaborative research projects.
  • Discuss approaches to resolving challenges in the delivery of research projects.
  • Identify your own challenges in managing research projects and identify ways to overcome these

Participants will have access to the asynchronous material for 12 months to support professional development in this area. Participants are expected to complete the e-learning activities and participate in the discussion workshops as an opportunity to consolidate learning and benefit from peer networking.

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Thu 9
Immigration Info Session for Postdocs Finished 10:00 - 12:00 Online

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.

Please note this session is held online via Teams.

Please note: it is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Thu 16
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Productivity and Managing Your Workload new Finished 13:00 - 16:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

Being able to effectively manage your workload in a proactive and realistic way is key to a successful research career.

Understanding task and relationship management techniques can help you better balance the demands on your time as a postdoc, as well as reducing your stress.

In this interactive half-day workshop, you will learn practical techniques that you can implement to consistently improve your day-to-day productivity.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • manage your activities more proactively through planning and negotiation
  • feel more confident in how to prioritise, make decisions, and say no
  • better manage your email and meeting habits.

Bring your productivity issues to the session ready for some practical troubleshooting!

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Fri 17
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).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Tue 21
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Planning fundable research using Research Canvas Finished 10:00 - 12:00 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

How can you make your research proposition stand out in a competitive funding landscape?

In the business and start up world, the Business Model Canvas tool is used to help companies work out how they will create, deliver and capture value. The research canvas is an adaptation of this and helps researchers plan and present their case for applying for research funding.

In this workshop, you will learn to use the Research Canvas. You will also have the opportunity to submit your research canvas after the workshop for personalised feedback.

This workshop will:

  • demonstrate the utility of an entrepreneurial tool in a research context
  • enable you to implement a tool for planning and presenting your research
  • give you opportunities to share your ideas and receive feedback from peers and facilitators.

Please note: it is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.