New Research Staff
All large organisations can seem confusing at times, especially when you are new, and Cambridge is no exception. Schools, faculties, departments, colleges, institutes, centres, services - there's a lot to navigate. The following has been designed to highlight some of the key places you may wish to go for support.
New Research Staff Welcome
Researchers on fixed-term and open-ended contracts are one of the largest staff groups in Cambridge, and face distinctive challenges both in orientating themselves within the University and in developing their careers. Whether a first-time postdoc or on your first research contract in Cambridge, the New Research Staff Welcome will provide invaluable information on how to navigate life as a researcher here. The induction will be informal, with a buffet lunch provided. As well as an official welcome, there will be a brief presentation on essential information relating to research contracts and a few short introductions from colleagues whose principal role is to support the University's research staff. These will be followed by an exhibition, which will give you the opportunity to explore the full range of support and career development opportunities that are available to you during your time here.
In addition to PPD, these services and departments participate in the New Research Staff Welcome are:
- The specialist Careers Service for postdocs offers independent and confidential support to help you manage your career, whether you are intending to stay in academia or are considering a change of direction.
- Cambridge Research Office provides expert guidance in securing and administering sponsored research funding.
- Cambridge Enterprise exists to help University of Cambridge inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs make their ideas and concepts more commercially successful for the benefit of society, UK economy, the inventors and the University.
- The Office of External Affairs and Communications offers advice, training, and support in communicating your research, whether you want to get or manage media interest, engage the public, or perhaps participate in one of the University's exciting annual festivals.
- Postdocs of Cambridge, otherwise known as PdOC, is a society run by and for postdoctoral research staff and Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) in Cambridge.
- Hosted at the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CRASSH) is a Postdoctoral Researcher Forum to support the postdoctoral community working in those subject areas.
- Cambridge University Library is one of the UK's great research libraries and, amongst other things, also the home of a specialist Research Skills Programme
- DSpace@Cambridge is the University's institutional repository, championing digital archiving and open access.
- The University has a dedicated Counselling Service for staff.
- As well as training specifically for research staff, postdocs are entitled to attend many transferable skills training courses run by the Graduate Development Programme.
All-staff induction
PPD offers a range of induction and orientation opportunities to all staff who are new to Cambridge. Further details and booking links are provided.
For access to the online induction module, please follow the link.