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Postdoc Academy Training

Postdoc Academy course timetable

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Thu 2 May – Thu 20 Jun

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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.

Wed 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).

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 23
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 24
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.

Wed 29
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.

Have you ever wondered what you could achieve with more effective time management habits? Join us to find out!

In this 1-hour session, you will:

  • learn power habits to improve your work productivity
  • create a timetable that protects deep work and a healthier work-life balance
  • reset your inbox habits to help you manage your workload and team relationships more effectively
  • plan daily restorative breaks to recharge your focus and calm your mind.

During the session you will be applying the techniques to your calendar and inbox in real time, setting up protective processes that you can benefit from immediately.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: You must complete the facilitator's Zoom registration form to access your personalised meeting link. See joining instructions for further details.

Thu 30

Generative AI tools have great potential to increase research output and quality. They can be used to assist with:

  • project conceptualisation
  • research question development
  • project management
  • information search and organisation
  • code writing
  • data analysis
  • and academic writing.

This hands-on workshop will provide you with the necessary literacies and skills to use AI technologies effectively and ethically as part of your research process.

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.

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.

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.

June 2024

Tue 4

Collaboration is highly valued in research today and is responsible for many of the most important modern advances in knowledge and understanding.

This webinar aims to help you plan and maintain your research collaboration successfully, so both you and your collaborators can enjoy and benefit from the journey.

In this 2-hour online masterclass, we’ll consider:

  • the advantages and barriers to a collaborative approach
  • what drives successful collaborations
  • the ‘rules’ and process of planning, establishing, managing and working together
  • partnerships outside of academia
  • what you can do if things aren’t working out.

This session will require your input so you should have your camera and microphone on and come prepared to be an active participant.

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 6
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 11

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.

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 12
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.

Tue 18
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.

This workshop will cover a range of skills that will help you raise your profile, and build the networks that can help you succeed, whether your career aims are in academia or beyond it. This course is collaboratively delivered across the over 10 UK Higher Education Institutions and during this workshop you will get the opportunity to network, online, with researchers based at these institutions.

Places on this workshop are prioritised for postdoctoral and early-career researchers. To attend this workshop, you must agree to attend all sessions.

This programme is a collaboration between Queen Mary University London, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, University of Glasgow, Imperial College London, King’s College London, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, University of Portsmouth, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Nottingham, and University of York.

Postdoc Welcome Event new Finished 13:30 - 15:00 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

The Postdoc Academy provides welcome events specific to postdocs joining the University of Cambridge - these are open to postdocs affiliated with the University, Colleges and University Partner Institutes.

These sessions include presentations from the Postdoc Academy, PdOC, Careers Service and HR, followed by a Q&A and then themed networking.

You will be given information on how to navigate life as a researcher in Cambridge and then have the opportunity to network with other new postdocs and University services.

During the session, postdocs will learn about:

  • interacting with the Postdoc Academy
  • attending professional development activities and accessing the Careers Service
  • connecting to the wider postdoc community at Cambridge
  • accessing resources available to postdocs as staff members.

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.

If you have any questions or problems with signing-up, please email welcome.pda@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Wed 19

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.

Thu 20

This workshop will introduce you to a range of core project management principles which you can apply within your research projects to more effectively plan and monitor your activities.

In this 3-hour online session, you will:

  • examine how to define the scope of a research project, including the delivery of outputs, impact and knowledge exchange
  • discuss how to engage and manage the expectations of stakeholders to enable smooth project delivery
  • explore how your planning and monitoring of research projects is shaped by your methodologies and the expectations of funders
  • learn to use key planning, risk management and monitoring tools to effectively manage research projects
  • identify your own challenges in managing research projects and discuss ways to overcome them.

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 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.