Information for Researchers

At UCC, we encourage our Postdoctoral Researchers to proactively consider their future career goals well before the end of their postdoctoral phase. This foresight is crucial as traditional academic career paths are becoming increasingly competitive and less common. Your dream job is unlikely to materialize without effort, but the good news is that having a plan significantly improves your chances of success.

Developing Transferable Skills

Identifying and honing your transferable skills is a vital first step in preparing for your future career. Conducting a training needs analysis will guide you in creating your Professional Development Plan (PDP). Regular professional training is essential, but it is equally important for postdoctoral researchers at UCC to engage in career-development discussions with their Principal Investigator (PI) or supervisor. Regularly reviewing progress and discussing career goals are necessary components of effective career development.

Our Aims

• To deliver high quality programmes of maximum relevance to the needs of Postdoctoral Researchers at UCC
• To increase the skills and employability of Postdoctoral Researchers thus benefiting the Irish economy and contributing to the research output of UCC
• To develop research leaders of the future
• To work in partnership and collaborate with the many research support facilities available here in UCC
• To provide innovative transferable skills training and professional development support through bespoke and tailored programmes for our 250 Postdoctoral Researchers

We wish to provide relevant, useful and enjoyable training and development to you our Postdoctoral Researchers and are always open to ideas and feedback on ways to achieve this. We look forward to working with you.

Professional Development Plan

A Professional Development Plan (PDP) is a structured document that outlines an individual’s goals, skills, and actions for career growth and continuous learning. It typically includes short-term and long-term objectives, the competencies needed to achieve them, and specific steps or resources such as training and mentoring that will support progress. The purpose of a PDP is to help research staff take ownership of their development, align personal aspirations with organisational priorities, and track progress over time. It serves as both a roadmap and a reflection tool, ensuring professional growth is intentional and measurable.

EU Researcher Competency Framework

ResearchComp is a tool that helps

• researchers assess and develop their own transversal skills
• higher education institutions and training providers adapt their offer to researchers
• employers to be aware of the wide set of competences of researchers

Support & Resources

UCC provides a range of resources and support to help you in your career development journey

Contact

For information regarding the content of any of the training sessions please contact the workshop facilitator or Carol O'Dwyer at carol.odwyer@ucc.ie