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.
Jump to: Research, commercialization, and intellectual property | Career development and job search | English language development | LinkedIn learning | Mitacs | Organizational and human development | Research, publication, copyright, and data management | Writing and communication | Teaching | Velocity and entrepreneurship
Research, commercialization and intellectual property
The Office of Research supports postdoc research, including:
Research ethics
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Consultation when planning studies to discuss ethical issues associated with the proposed research
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Assistance in completing a research ethics application
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Guidance on research ethics and how to address feedback on ethics applications
Research integrity
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Guidance on rights, responsibilities, and reporting of issues related to the responsible conduct of research
Research partnerships
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Support for Mitacs programs and applications and other industrial internships (e.g., OCE TalentEdge)
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Understanding intellectual property rights and other responsibilities related to contract research and industrial funding
Waterloo Commercialization Office (WatCo)
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Identifying, protecting, and commercializing intellectual property created by members of Waterloo in accordance with Policy 73
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Securing prototype development funding to advance the commercial readiness of portfolio technologies under management
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Negotiating license agreements with companies and providing startup company creation assistance
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Entrepreneurship funding support from the WatCo/Velocity's Up Start program
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:
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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.
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One-on-one career advising appointments for postdocs (in person, virtual, or by phone). You can meet with Career Advisors to strategize your work search process, review your CV, resume, cover letter, or to discuss how your skills, interests and values align with different career possibilities. To schedule an individual appointment visit WaterlooWorks or contact the Centre for Career Development front desk via live chat or by telephone (519-888-4567 x35482).
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.
Interested in pursuing a career in academia? Check out the recording of this panel from National Postdoc Appreciation Week, where University of Waterloo faculty members talk about their journey from being a postdoc to becoming a faculty member.
English language development
The English Language Institute at Renison University College offers non-credit programs to help build your English skills.
Postdoctoral scholars can audit EMLS (English for Multilingual Speakers) courses at Renison University College which focus on topics such as speaking English for professional purposes, scholarly writing in English, and more.
The KW Multicultural Centre pairs learners and volunteers to meet one-on-one and practice English.
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.
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:
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Visit the Mitacs EDGE login page.
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Create a new account.
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Login credentials from previous Mitacs platforms will not work.
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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.
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Select your Learner Affiliation using the drop-down list. Select "General Learner."
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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. Visit OHD’s calendar of workshops for a list of offerings. If you have trouble registering, please reach out to OHD directly.
OHD also offers advising for postdocs interested in pursuing employment opportunities at the University of Waterloo. To book a time to chat, please contact Sarah Lewis at sarah.lewis@uwaterloo.ca. For broader career exploration and advice about career paths beyond Waterloo, please connect with the Centre for Career Development (CCD).
Research, publication, copyright and data management
The Library supports postdoc research, publication, and research impact activities with the following supports and services:
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Specialized Subject Librarians
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Consultations on your research question
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Help with literature reviews for grant applications
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Workshops, training and guidance on a number of topics, including research methodologies, such as systematic and scoping reviews, and the Tri-Agency open access policy, etc.
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Guidance and information about research data management
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Content on topics such as critical appraisal of information, use of appropriate and credible sources, and copyright
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Assistance with copyright for publishing assistance
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Help determining your research impact
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Access to UWSpace, the University’s institutional repository, a free, long-term home for preserving and sharing your research,
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Information about publishing considerations
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Information and support for the Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID)