The Postdoc Community at Cambridge
Beyond the resources and support provided by the Careers Service, there are many other organisations at the University that can help you in your personal and professional development while here at Cambridge. You can get connected with these services – and fellow postdocs - in a number of ways.
Oftentimes, the best way to stay in touch and learn more is to sign up to Newsletters and social media accounts of the following postdoc supporters:
Postdoc Academy
The Postdoc Academy is the lead organisation within the University of Cambridge with a focus on the postdoc community. Their mission is to enable Cambridge postdocs to realise their potential.
They work towards this aim through four pillars of activity:
- Information - bringing postdocs the information they need, when they need it.
- Community - fostering a sense of belonging for all postdocs.
- Advocacy - working with the community to solve issues.
- Professional Development - helping postdocs develop for their current role and beyond.
Of note is their mentoring scheme, entrepreneurial training and their regular newsletter.
The PdA also publishes the Postdoc Calendar, which collates information about events geared toward postdocs from all over the collegiate university.
PdOCS Postdocs of Cambridge Society
Postdocs Of Cambridge (PdOC) is the postdoc-led Cambridge University Society for postdocs as well as early career researchers and academics. PdOC represents postdocs in University discussions, career development, contract research conditions, college affiliation, social and sporting issues, as well as entrepreneurship events and communications. All Cambridge postdocs and early career researchers are welcome to join, and there is no membership fee.
Of note they arrange social activities, develop useful guides (check out their very helpful College Affiliation guide) and entrepreneurship programme.
Human Resources
The Human Resources (HR) Division supports the achievement of excellence in education, learning and research via the recruitment, retention, reward, recognition and development activities undertaken with and for University staff. In addition, the Division seeks to ensure that the University continues to maintain and enhance its reputation as a leading employer. Alongside the effective HR policies, procedures and guidelines being in place throughout the full life-cycle of employment, the Division offers a wide range of specialist HR and support services to staff, who are the University’s greatest asset.
Of note are the Support Services for Staff page, policies and procedures and the fact they house the Action Research on Research Culture project.
Cambridge Enterprise
Part of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Enterprise supports academics, researchers, staff and students in achieving knowledge transfer and research impact.
They do this by helping innovators, experts and entrepreneurs use commercial avenues to develop their ideas and expertise for the benefit of society, the economy, themselves and the University.
Of note check out their guides to Academic Consultancy.
Cambridge Centre for Teaching and Learning
The Cambridge Centre for Teaching & Learning works with staff to enrich educational practice; encourages innovation and the exchange of ideas and methods; and is a focus for enhancement initiatives within the Collegiate University, nationally and internationally.
Of note are their recognition schemes for completing the highly useful Fellowship of Higher Education Academy qualifications and their approach to Inclusive Learning.
Research Operations Office
The Research Operations Office has guidance on advice for finding funding and applying for grants. The Research Strategy Office is also a useful resource
Finally, check out our Activities to boost your career in Cambridge which gives you ideas of other Cambridge experiences that you could engage with during your time here.