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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.

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.

Do you sometimes feel worn down or worked up? Would you like to develop habits that help you navigate life with greater confidence and happiness?

This course is designed specifically for researchers to explore tools for enhancing self-awareness, managing stress and unwanted thoughts, and embracing enjoyment and positive change.

It provides guided opportunities to think about:

• how we relate to our body, thoughts and feelings
• finding connection with others, nature and time
• practical ways to change our habits and patterns of thinking.

The six workshops explore concepts from various traditions and provide opportunities for focused self-reflection, enhanced using meditation skills.

These skills are for complete beginners and provide new approaches for those with more experience. No previous experience is required.

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
• and how to plan for impact.

It will consist of a 60-minute talk and an opportunity to ask questions.

Most people experience self-doubt at some point in their life. We may not feel as competent or knowledgeable as others perceive us to be, or we may attribute our success to luck.

Such thoughts and emotions are sometimes referred to as impostor phenomenon. Research suggests it is common amongst high achieving individuals such as those working in academia.

This 3-hour workshop will provide a safe and confidential space to explore your own and others’ experiences of imposter phenomenon, and why these feelings can arise.

It will also equip you with a range of different approaches to help manage feelings of self-doubt.

By the end of the workshop you will have:

• understood what imposter phenomenon is and why you might experience it
• explored its impact on your life and career
• identified strategies for managing self-doubt.

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 workshop ready for some practical troubleshooting!

Team working is a critical part of successful research and innovation. But working with others can be challenging when they don’t think or behave in the way we do.

In this half-day workshop, we will explore fundamental aspects of team working, including why having people in your teams who think and behave differently to you is essential for success.

We will look at different theories around teamwork and globally recognised tools, including LEGO Serious Play and Belbin Team Roles.

At the end of this workshop, you will understand:

• why teams don’t need well-rounded people
• how conflict between working styles can be turned to an advantage
• why our expectations of team members (including leaders) can set them up to fail
• and when choosing people to work with, why we need to look beyond their eligibility and consider their suitability.

Do you want to talk with more confidence in meetings and interviews? Or have more impact when speaking in public?

This confidential one-to-one coaching session will help you to:

• refine your presentation skills
• speak more confidently as an emerging leader in your research field
• develop new approaches to your communication in a wide range of professional situations.

You will get constructive feedback on your speaking style, how you come across to others, and how well your ideas are communicated.

Coaching will focus on your individual requirements – these can include practical points about elocution and vocal projection, holding the attention of a room, and structuring a compelling presentation.

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.

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).