Unpacking the Postdoc: Exploring the Role, Recognising the Contributions

Unpacking the Postdoc: Exploring the Role, Recognising the Contribution

Ever been asked, “So… you do the research?”
We know the reality is far more complex—and far more valuable. Postdocs contribute an incredible range of expertise across teaching, mentoring, leadership, project management, community building and much more. But these contributions often go unseen, unrecognised, or misunderstood.

It’s time to change that.
And we need you to help us do it.

This workshop gives you the chance to:

• Shape how the sector understands postdocs - Work with others in your discipline to map out the real responsibilities of postdoctoral roles. Help create an evidence-based, sector-facing output—with all participants named as co‑authors.
• Make your experience visible - Your voice will feed directly into discussions that influence recognition, policy, and support structures for postdocs.
• Get personalised professional development – To recognise your time and input we are including a session on the StrengthsFinder assessment to explore how your strengths can support leadership, collaboration, and career decision‑making—whether you stay in academia or take your skills elsewhere.
• Connect across the White Rose Partnership - Meet postdocs from York and Sheffield as well as Leeds, share experiences, and build new collaborations.

Join us for Unpacking the Postdoc—a full‑day, hands-on workshop designed specifically for postdoctoral researchers across the White Rose University Consortium (Leeds, York, Sheffield).

Date: Monday 13 July (10:00–16:00) Lunch included.
Cloth Hall Court, Leeds (or join online).

We can host up to 40 in person attendees and 20 online participants.

Please note: Although the event is free for you, each place costs the University around £200. As places are limited, please only register if you can commit to the full day and block it out in your calendar—don’t accidentally take a spot from someone else who would really benefit.

Ready to help Unpack the Postdoc?

Please complete this expression of interest form, places will be confirmed by the end of May. We look forward to seeing you!

The day is split into two parts. The suggested format, still to be confirmed:

Morning Session (10:00–13:00): What Do Postdocs Do? 

Participants will work in discipline based groups to map out: 

• Postdoctoral responsibilities 

• Teaching, supervision, and mentoring duties 

• Administrative and project management tasks 

• Contributions to culture, citizenship, and community 

• Professional activities such as grant writing, dissemination, and collaboration 

Outputs: 

• A discipline specific audit of postdoctoral responsibilities 

• Cross disciplinary analysis identifying shared experiences and unique pressures 

• Material that may inform future HR processes and policy 

This session aligns to the ongoing need to highlight the complexity of postdoctoral roles in UK research environments and improve recognition and support structures across institutions. 

Afternoon Session (14:00–16:00): Strengths Based Leadership and Career Development 

After completing the StrengthsFinder assessment (prework), participants will engage in a facilitated session exploring: 

• Their individual strengths profiles 

• How strengths can be applied in research leadership contexts 

• Strategies for using strengths to guide career decision making 

• How strengths awareness can support collaboration and team dynamics 

This session aims to articulate what postdocs bring to academic and non-academic environments, supporting both confidence and clarity in future career planning.