Professional development

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Get the skills you need to advance your career.

Explore workshops, resources, and events on campus that are designed to boost the skills and competencies essential for academic and career success.

Research, commercialization and intellectual property

The Office of Research supports postdoc research, including: 

Research ethics

  • Consultation when planning studies to discuss ethical issues associated with the proposed research 

  • Assistance in completing a research ethics application 

  • Guidance on research ethics and how to address feedback on ethics applications 

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Research integrity 

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Research partnerships 

  • Support for Mitacs programs and applications and other industrial internships (e.g., OCE TalentEdge) 

  • Understanding intellectual property rights and other responsibilities related to contract research and industrial funding

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Waterloo Commercialization Office (WatCo) 

  • Identifying, protecting, and commercializing intellectual property created by members of Waterloo in accordance with Policy 73 

  • Securing prototype development funding to advance the commercial readiness of portfolio technologies under management 

  • Negotiating license agreements with companies and providing startup company creation assistance 

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Sometimes, you discover that other groups (sometimes closer than you think) have resources or reached some conclusions that you really need in your research.

Career development and job search

Not sure what your career goals are? Thinking about making a shift in another direction or looking for a new job? There are many possible career paths for postdocs, but sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start.

The Centre for Career Development has the following services available:  

  • Live workshops related to career development and work search, some designed specifically for postdocs and PhD students. Unable to attend one of the live workshops? Visit the online workshops page to view workshop content and complete self-directed activities at your own pace. 

The best course of action [for gaps in practical skills] is to try to fill the gaps by taking online courses and hands-on training.

English language development

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop business, technology-related, and creative skills through expert-led course videos. With more than 5,000 courses and personalized recommendations, you can discover, complete, and track courses related to your field and interests.

University of Waterloo postdocs can access web-based training from LinkedIn learning using their WatIAM credentials.

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Mitacs training courses

Mitacs offers training courses on topics relevant to postdocs. Each course bundle involves a self-paced asynchronous component and a synchronous virtual session. Completion of both components will earn you an official certificate of completion from Mitacs. Topics include networking skills, career planning, communication skills, and more. 

To access Mitacs online courses, you will need to create an account on EDGE, the Mitacs online learning management system. To get started:  

  1. Visit the Mitacs EDGE login page

  2. Create a new account. 

    1. Login credentials from previous Mitacs platforms will not work. 

  3. Confirm your account by following the prompt in the verification email that is sent to you. This will redirect you back to the login page where you can now sign in.  

  4. Select your Learner Affiliation using the drop-down list. Select "General Learner." 

  5. Fill out the personal information page to complete your registration. 

Organizational and Human Development

Organizational and Human Development (OHD) offers courses on personal and professional development for employees (including postdocs!) on a variety of topics ranging from leadership and emotional intelligence to exploring values and collaboration.

Please visit OHD’s calendar of workshops for a list offerings. If you have trouble registering, please reach out to OHD directly. 

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Research, publication, copyright and data management

The Library supports postdoc research, publication, and research impact activities with the following supports and services:

  • Consultations on your research question 

  • Help with literature reviews for grant applications   

  • Content on topics such as critical appraisal of information, use of appropriate and credible sources, and copyright 

  • Access to UWSpace, the University’s institutional repository, a free, long-term home for preserving and sharing your research,  

Teaching development

The Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) is here to help you develop your knowledge and skills as a university instructor, through workshops and events, certificate programs, and one-on-one support. 

  • If you're new to teaching, CTE’s Fundamentals of University Teaching program introduces participants to evidence-based teaching strategies and provides hands-on opportunities to practice new skills. The program is designed for graduate students, but postdoctoral scholars new to teaching are also welcome to register. This program is free and is completed at your own pace during your time as a postdoc. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a certificate issued by CTE. 

  • If you're preparing to teach a course, you can get in touch with a CTE’s liaison for your Faculty for a one-on-one consultation related to course design, assessment design, educational technologies, and using LEARN. 

  • If you're currently teaching a course or preparing to teach a course in the upcoming term, you may take part in the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW). The ISW is a 24-hour certificate program developed in Canada and recognized by many postsecondary institutions internationally. It uses an intensive, collaborative model through videotaped microteaching and peer feedback sessions to support participants' teaching reflection and growth. Participants receive a Certificate of Achievement. 

  • If you'd like to receive feedback on your teaching, you can request a teaching observation/classroom visit by contacting Svitlana Taraban-Gordon or Mary Power. If you prefer to work with a small group of colleagues, the Teaching Squares Program is ideal for those interested in broadening their exposure to different teaching techniques and styles by taking part in reciprocal classroom visits with other instructors.  

  • If you want to know more about teaching research, consider attending the annual Teaching and Learning Conference to learn with instructors as they share their teaching-focused research, teaching strategies, and more in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and presentations exploring learning and teaching. 

For any questions about CTE programs, contact Monika Soczewinski.  

The idea of holistic teaching and learning is something I have always looked up to, and my experience here at the University of Waterloo was able to nurture this.

Velocity and entrepreneurship

Are you interested in entrepreneurship? Do you have an idea, project or prototype? Velocity can provide you with the support you need to ignite your ideas and build your startup — every step of the way. At the University of Waterloo, you have access to leading entrepreneurial resources from Velocity. Even if founding a company isn’t in your cards, Velocity can help you build essential skills and give you a glimpse into the world of working for startups through several services, including:  

  • Spaces: Work, build, and grow alongside an entrepreneurial community with various resources specific to each space. Learn more about Velocity Digital and Velocity Science

  • Events & launch sessions: Learn something new each week. Topics range from founders speaking about their grand successes and epic failures to learning how to ace a 3-minute pitch like on Y-Combinator Style pitches. View upcoming events. 

  • 1-on-1 coaching: Meet one-on-one or in a small group with one of our experienced coaches to discuss your startup ideas and aspirations and help turn your concept into a reality. View our coaches and book a session

  • UpStart: For those who want to transform their work into real-world commercial ventures and receive funding. Learn more. 

If you are unsure of where to start and would like some guidance, feel free to connect with Velocity through their online form

Contact us

If you have any questions about navigating resources or services, please contact our postdoc team at postdocs@uwaterloo.ca