Leading Your Academic Career program

Leveraging your research for an enduring academic career does not happen in isolation. We rely on leadership skills to build and operate within strategic collegial networks; we rely on practical know-how to navigate complex institutional environments, and we rely on thoughtful planning to define and drive long term research goals in the day-to-day of academic work.

In this series of three face-to-face workshops offered by the Researcher Development Unit and the Sydney Early-Mid Career Academic Network (SEMCAN), you will hear from colleagues within the University about their experiences, strategies and tools for successful career development and research leadership.

You will also develop your own plans and work through activities and discussions with your peers to take away practical learnings you can apply in your work.

The program is targeted at those at the postdoctoral level or early career level (Levels A and B) who are seeking to plan their career, gain independence, and advance their research agenda within the complex landscape of the University.

The program consists of three interactive half day in-person workshops:

• Tuesday May 20, 1-4 pm: Career vision and planning

• Tuesday May 27, 1-4 pm: Leading self and others

• Tuesday June 3, 1-4 pm: Navigating complexity to advance your research and career

You will leave with practical strategies and tangible actions you can put into practice as well as new connections from across the University’s ECR community.

• 25 places maximum, with participants selected via an Expression of Interest process. 

• Participants will be selected according to the value of the program for their career and stated motivation for applying.

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Fixed-term or continuing Level A-B research-active academics 
• Employed by the University of Sydney
• Can commit to all three workshops

• This was a wonderful experience and a real 'lightbulb' moment for me. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a part of this workshop. [2022 participant]

• It was excellent to hear the personal experiences of such accomplished University leaders. I really enjoyed and have gained a lot from the workshop, that I hope to put into practice immediately. [2022 participant]

• I found this workshop series very valuable. I also appreciated the opportunity to meet ECRs from across the University and to understand how practices, culture etc may be different in other schools. It's helped me to think about how we do things in my school / team and potential scope for change. [2022 participant]

Submit your Expression of Interest by Thursday April 24, 5 pm. ​

​