Applications are now open for our Professional Development Boot Camp, a brand new, two-day training opportunity to help postdocs accelerate their potential for career success.
In addition to training, this boot camp will offer postdocs an opportunity to network and share their research with peers and senior academics.
The training will take place from 10:00 - 16:00 on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 January 2025.
The deadline for submitting your application is Monday 16 December 2024.
Who is the boot camp for?
Some elements of the training are loosely based around research in the social sciences, but are not restricted to it. We welcome anyone who would like to share their research and meet others from outside their discipline.
What will be covered?
Day 1
- Skills for effective networking: a bite-sized, practical workshop to help you network with peers and senior colleagues during the course.
- Publications post-PhD (Cambridge University Libraries): an overview of the academic publishing landscape, equipping you to navigate the publication process effectively as you transition into postdoctoral research life.
- Grant writing workshop: experienced Research Facilitators will deliver a session on developing grant and fellowship applications, from formulating a research problem, to choosing a funder and preparing a successful proposal.
- Introduction to research leadership: an interactive session where we will review current drivers in the R&I sector and consider some of the key features of successful leadership.
Day 2
- Prioritising wellbeing: gain techniques for managing stress, practical tips for integrating self-care into busy schedules and signposting to sources of support and resources available at the University.
- EDI and wellbeing: using insights from the latest sector data on EDI in research culture, we’ll identify areas where inclusive practices are most needed and outline key steps toward creating supportive and inclusive workplaces.
- Getting started with career planning: explore what it means to you to be a researcher and acquire tools and approaches to work out what you want and how to work toward your goals.
- Networking lunch: informal networking with peers and guest academics.
- Mini-symposium: present your research to peers, senior academics, and other guests.
How do I apply?
To apply for a place on this two-day training and networking event, please ensure that you can commit to fully attending both days of the boot camp, then complete the application form.
In addition to some basic background information, you will be asked to provide brief (no more than 200 words each) statements, describing:
- your research in lay terms
- why you would like to attend this course.
In the event that we receive more applications than there are places available, we will use your response to the second question to inform our selection, including the degree to which the course matches your expectations and how your participation would contribute to a positive experience for you and the other participants.
Submit your application here by Monday 16 December 2024.
You will be notified of the outcome of your application before the Christmas holidays.
Please contact development.pda@admin.cam.ac.uk if you have any questions about this event.