Are you a Cambridge postdoc looking to gain valuable teaching experience? Are you interested in designing and delivering researcher development workshops for PhD students?
"Researcher Development" (RD) encompasses all the learning and development that equips PhD students with the skills needed to successfully complete their research degree and prepare them for their future careers.
The University's core RD programme offers workshops and activities open to all PhD students, on themes such as writing, presenting and project management. The Researcher Development Fellows Programme (RDFP) seeks to enhance this provision with more discipline-specific offerings, whilst providing opportunities for postdocs to gain paid teaching experience.
The programme sees us working with postdocs as partners to support and train you in designing and delivering RD workshops within your departments and subject areas.
Participation and experience gained in the programme will form the basis of an application for "Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy" (AFHEA; D1): as an RDFP participant, you will have a place on the Cambridge Recognition Scheme, which will support you in drafting a successful application.
After a successful pilot with the School of Technology in 2023-24, we are expanding the programme in 2024-25. This year, we have a small number of places open to Cambridge postdocs - with limited teaching experience - across all Schools*.
"RDFP has been a remarkable journey for my personal growth. The small-group setting... coupled with tailored advice and supervision, provided clarity and support throughout."
What does the programme involve?
The RDFP takes place over the Lent and Easter Terms and features a degree of flexibility so that participants can plan the work around their research commitments. The programme comprises:
- three RDFP workshops providing a practical introduction to designing and facilitating interactive teaching
- an observation of one of our core programme workshops
- a one-to-one tutorial
- design and delivery of your own workshop (twice; this work is paid)
- three further workshops to support you in drafting your application for Associate Fellowship of the HEA
"The programme has not only improved my teaching practice but has also enriched my understanding of students' needs, leading to increased engagement and academic performance in my classes."
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the RDFP, you must:
- Be a postdoc at the University of Cambridge or a University Partner Institute*
- Have at least 12 months left on your contract
- Commit to attending the programme dates listed below, and to design and deliver an agreed workshops for students
What are the key dates?
| Workshop | Date |
|---|---|
| RDFP Workshop 1 | Friday 24 January, 10am-1pm |
| RDFP Workshop 2 | Tuesday 4 March, 10am-1pm |
| Recognition Scheme Workshop 1 | Monday 28 April, 2-5pm |
| Recognition Scheme Workshop 2 | Monday 12 May, 2-5pm |
| Recognition Scheme Workshop 3 | Thursday 29 May, 2-5pm |
| RDFP Workshop 3 | Tuesday 3 June, 10am-12pm |
| Associate Fellowship Application Deadline | Thursday 12 June |
In addition, you will need to schedule an observation of one of our RD workshops, have a tutorial, and deliver the workshop you design twice, in April and/or May.
How do I apply for the programme?
Applications for 2024-25 are now closed
- Application deadline: 8am Monday 9 December 2024
- Decisions announced: by Monday 23 December 2024
- Confirmation of acceptance requested: by 4pm Monday 6 January 2025
You can view the application questions here in advance, if helpful.
If you have any questions about the programme not answered on this page, please get in touch with the Programme Director, Dr Sonja Tomašković.
*This year, a small number of Schools-funded places are available to postdocs from the Schools of Technology, Physical Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Arts & Humanities. There are also a few centrally-funded places available to postdocs from any School.