skip to navigation skip to content
- Select training provider - (Postdoc Academy)

Postdoc Academy Training

Postdoc Academy course timetable

Show:

Wed 5 Feb 2025 – Tue 13 May 2025

Now Today



February 2025

Wed 5
Pensions Explained for Postdocs [Places] 13:00 - 14:30 Postdoc Centre@ Mill Lane, Eastwood Room

Are you unsure how state pensions work in the UK, what the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) is, or how making international moves affects your pension as a postdoc?

Then join us for this information session for postdocs, delivered by the University’s Head of Group Pensions.

The session will cover:

  • the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
  • the State Pension system in the UK
  • private pensions in the UK.

There will also be plenty of time for you to ask questions.

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

Thu 6
Postdoc Academy Workshop: What is Research Leadership? [Places] 09:30 - 12:30 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.

This session will run again in Easter Term. If you would like to be notified of future iterations of this session, please add yourself to the waitlist or register your interest.

Please note: 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 [Places] 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: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Fri 7
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 09:35 - 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 11

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 20
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Planning fundable research using Research Canvas [Places] 10:00 - 12:00 Postdoc Centre@ Mill Lane, Eastwood Room

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.

This session will run again in Easter Term. If you would like to be notified of future iterations of this session, please add yourself to the waitlist or register your interest.

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

Tue 25

Join fellow academics for an engaging session that will elevate your ability to think critically and navigate challenging decision making in academia with confidence.

Learn practical strategies to analyse complex problems, confidently make sound decisions, and enhance your research impact. The workshop will employ logical thinking practice and bring to light common thinking fallacies and assumptions that can undermine quality decision making.

We will focus on three key areas:

  • thinking fallacies and bias
  • challenging assumptions
  • strategic decision making frameworks.

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

Thu 27
Postdoc Groups Series new [Places] 13:00 - 14:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

Meet with postdocs, academics and those who support postdocs from a range of departments, to share best practice of postdoc support, learn what others are doing, and identify improvements and future activities.

We will be hosting three sessions throughout the academic year.

This session will:

  • facilitate discussion between postdocs and academics from a range of departments
  • identify the current needs of the community
  • lead to inter-departmental activities to facilitate networking and collaboration
  • feed into discussions of postdoc support within the Postdoc Academy and University.

Please note: 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 [Places] 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: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Fri 28
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 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.

March 2025

Wed 5
Postdoc Academy Open Hour new [Places] 11:30 - 12:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Multi Function Space

These informal sessions give you the opportunity to talk to members of the Postdoc Academy, helping you to figure out how you can begin interacting with us and the wider University community.

There will be the opportunity to ask questions within the small group or speak to us one-to-one.

These sessions provide:

  • an introduction to our services, programmes and resources
  • guidance on interacting with the wider community, including college affiliations
  • signposting to the relevant areas of the University for any advice you may need
  • connections to members of the Postdoc Academy team.

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

Thu 6

This masterclass 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.

This session will run again in Easter Term. If you would like to be notified of future iterations of this session, please add yourself to the waitlist or register your interest.

Please note: 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 [Places] 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: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Tue 11
Making Headlines: How to Get Your Research into the Mainstream Media Not bookable 10:00 - 12:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

This workshop offers a practical guide to communicating research to the broadest possible audiences via the mainstream media.

It will take you behind the scenes of the processes and tactics used to get University research reported nationally and internationally in newspapers, online news sites, radio and TV - from identifying a potential news story, to responding to emerging coverage.

Topics covered will include:

  • how University press officers work
  • what makes for an effective media release
  • using assets including images
  • distributing releases and pitching to journalists
  • what to expect from any coverage
  • giving media interviews and how to get your message across effectively.

The session will include practical tasks as well as an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences.

It is co-hosted by the Postdoc Academy and CCTL, and will be delivered by Sarah Collins and Jacqueline Garget from the University’s Research Communications team.

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

Fri 14

Do you know when it is appropriate to negotiate, and how to do this effectively? Would you like to improve your skills in communicating with influence?

This interactive session will introduce you to key principles of influencing and negotiation that can be applied in workplace situations.

In this 90-minute session, you will:

  • explore key principles of negotiation
  • identify the difference between asking and negotiating
  • gain practical techniques for communicating with influence
  • identify the appropriate negotiating style for your context.

You will have the opportunity to practice some of these skills in the session. To make the most of this session, we recommend that you come prepared to participate in discussions and activities.

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.

Mon 17
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 09:35 - 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.

Mon 24
Postdoc Welcome Event [Places] 13:00 - 14:30 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 and Careers Service, followed by a Q&A and then 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 events.pda@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Tue 25
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Cultural Intelligence in Leadership new [Places] 10:00 - 13:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

How can developing intercultural competence and embracing diverse perspectives increase psychological safety and therefore drive results? In today's diverse workplaces, speaking the same language is just the beginning. Our cultural backgrounds profoundly shape how we connect, collaborate and influence, impacting team performance. This session will explore the vital role of intercultural competence in inclusive leadership. It will help you understand:

  • how international diversity can impact team dynamics
  • what are the different layers of ‘culture’ and the role of cultural intelligence for leaders
  • how to cultivate inclusive leadership skills to foster collaboration and synergy among diverse 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 27
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 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 28
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 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.

April 2025

Thu 3
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 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: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Thu 24
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 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.

Tue 29
Immigration Info Session for Postdocs [Places] 10:30 - 12:30 Postdoc Centre@ Mill Lane, Eastwood Room

With ever developing complexities in the UK’s immigration system, join us for this briefing and Q&A with the University’s Head of Immigration.

The session will cover:

  • the ‘basic’ work visas, such as Skilled Worker and Global Talent
  • how to switch into or extend these in order to remain in the UK
  • guidance on applications for dependents
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain/settlement/citizenship applications.

There will also be plenty of time for you to ask questions about other immigration matters. If your question cannot be answered on the day, it will be followed up individually afterwards.

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.

May 2025

Thu 1
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 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: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Tue 13
Postdoc Groups Series new [Places] 13:00 - 14:30 Postdoc Centre@ Mill Lane, Eastwood Room

Meet with postdocs, academics and those who support postdocs from a range of departments, to share best practice of postdoc support, learn what others are doing, and identify improvements and future activities.

We will be hosting three sessions throughout the academic year.

This session will:

  • facilitate discussion between postdocs and academics from a range of departments
  • identify the current needs of the community
  • lead to inter-departmental activities to facilitate networking and collaboration
  • feed into discussions of postdoc support within the Postdoc Academy and University.

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