Navigating Your Academic Career program

This three-part program supports postdocs and ECRs plan and develop their academic career, expand their networks, and grow their leadership. It is a joint venture between the Sydney Early-Mid Career Academic Network (SEMCAN) and the Researcher Development Unit.

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, delivered over one month. Lunch will be provided as a further opportunity to network with your peers.

• Workshop 1: Career vision and planning

• Workshop 2: Mentoring, self-advocacy and positive research culture

• Workshop 3: Collaborating and leading others 

You’ll hear from colleagues within the University about their experiences, strategies and tools for successful career development and research leadership. You will also have an opportunity to develop new connections with ECRs from across the University and practise new skills through small group activities and discussions.

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.

• Level A-B research-active academics (continuing, fixed term, casual) employed by the University

• ECRs <5 years post-PhD who are employed in professional roles (such as research assistants looking to forge an independent academic career). 

• Able to attend 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]

Open dates for the next round will be announced in early 2025.