19th – 23rd September is National Postdoc Appreciation week (#NPAW2022) and we are aware there is lots going on around the University to celebrate our postdocs. A number of our societies are running events and initiatives as part of the week, such as events focussed on research culture and awarding prizes for outstanding postdocs.
We wanted to provide a bit of information on what support is available from the Institute for Academic Development (IAD) in demonstration of our ongoing support and appreciation for our postdocs.
The main resource that is worth highlighting is our Research Staff Hub (RSH). The RSH is a website that supports the communication and coordination of the vast support available to all researchers at the University of Edinburgh, and those who support them. The aim of the RSH is to provide landing page drawing together the resources research staff might need during their employment at the University, while also increasing visibility of services that might be useful – It signposts to services from across the University including the Edinburgh Research Office, Edinburgh Innovations, Health & Safety, Information Services and IAD. Since its launch in June 2021, the site has had 32,753 page views.
The development of a research staff website was a key action in the University’s Concordat Action Plan and allows a platform to update on Concordat progress and developments for researchers and their managers, such as: information on our action plan progress and reporting, a webpage which includes information on how researchers may use their 10 Days professional development, a collection of ‘Leadership Stories’ from research staff who have taken on leadership type roles within the university, a PDF guide for research staff societies interested in running a Concordat focussed events, to name a few!
We have also been working hard this last year to improve our offering of online careers support. We have focussed on accessible support with infographics, videos and Micro Workshops available on demand through our IAD Career Management webpages and the RSH so that you can develop your career at a time that suits you.
Key resources to be aware of include:
Suite of Micro Workshops: These are a series of four miniature workshops designed to enhance your success in the job market.
Career Case Studies: Academic Career Journeys at Edinburgh are a series of video and text case studies highlighting the challenges and rewards of an academic career and what can aid progression within the sector. Career Conversations are a series of short interviews discussing how to advance your career and move into sectors outside of academia.
Careers Resources: A bank of resources including handouts and infographics to help with career planning. Key resources include Career Conversations with your PI, which covers questions to consider when preparing for a career conversation with your PI / Supervisor. Research Careers within Academia and Careers beyond Academia both signpost to other useful resources and aim to provide structure to the career planning process appropriate to the pathway selected. We also have 5 infographics on a range of topics including CV writing and changing career direction.
Careers Event Support Guide: A guide for research staff societies looking to run a career event or events including a career-related activity, highlighting what support is available from the IAD.
Of course we also provide a programme of Career Development Workshops that run each semester. These focus on key topics such as CV writing, Career Planning and Preparing for Interviews. These are available for Research Staff to book through People & Money. Once signed in click the ‘Learning’ button and search for the workshop by name. Dates of workshops available to book can be viewed by clicking the ‘Available Offerings’ arrow.
The IAD also offers 1:1 Career Development Consultations with a professional Careers Consultant. Career Consultations are available all year round and are bookable through the ‘Learning’ tab on People & Money. Search for ‘Research Staff Career Development Consultation 1:1’. Again, click ‘Available Offerings’ to see the dates of available consultations. Click on ‘View Details’ to see the time that each individual consultation is scheduled to take place.
Please do consider looking at the Research Staff Hub and what it offers and the opportunities available to support you in your role.
(Postdoc Appreciation Week)
