Postdoctoral Leadership Programme

Practical information

• Audience: Postdocs and research staff at Queen’s University Belfast
• Dates: 23 April 2026 (Workshop 1) and 5 May 2026 (Workshop 2)
• Duration/Time: 2 days (09:30 - 16:30 on both days)
• Location: The Canada Room and Council Chamber, Lanyon Building
• Maximum places available: 20
• Organised by: The Postdoctoral Development Centre (PDC) | pdc@qub.ac.uk 
• Application deadline: Applications for this year’s programme will open in February/March 2026 and will be promoted to all postdoctoral researchers at Queen’s University Belfast.  Please stay tuned for further details.

Content

Whether coordinating research projects with multiple stakeholders, organising the functioning of their group, leading the planning of internal or external events and initiatives (such as workshops, development activities, research projects, or social events), or shaping the vision for their independent research, postdocs have numerous opportunities to demonstrate leadership.

This programme aims to help participants understand the essence of leadership, reflect on where and how they can assume leadership roles, and develop a core set of skills applicable across any professional environment, including academic research.  Participants will be encouraged to consider how the principles covered can be applied to their current roles and upcoming leadership challenges.

The following topics will be covered throughout this two-day workshop:

Day 1: Knowing myself as a leader

• Insights Discovery Psychometric tool: An interactive introduction to the way people think, behave and communicate; and how to use cognitive diversity to achieve powerful outcomes.

• Introduction to leadership (Direction, Alignment, Commitment – DAC – model, Drath et al.): Leadership versus management – understanding similarities and differences. You will carry out a DAC self-assessment to identify your strengths and areas for growth, as well as discuss the importance of our own personal values in leadership.

Day 2: Leading without authority

• Vision building - why do it and how to do it. Vision building as a key component of setting direction; why it’s critical in a leadership context; and how to (co-)create an inspiring vision that engages others.

• Coaching skills for leaders - bringing out the best in others. Looking at the mindset and skills set of coaching, how this can be used to support the performance and growth of those we work with.

Pre-requisites

Participants are required to complete an Insights Discovery Psychometric questionnaire, which will be sent via email approximately 2 weeks in advance of the first workshop.  This is quick to complete and will provide a detailed personal profile which will be used in the workshop.