Date: January 7, 2026
Format: Online via Zoom, 16:00 –18:00
Target group: This Postdoc-Talk is designed for Postdocs who are in an academic sandwich position: Although they are leading doctoral candidates, technicians oder student helpers they still have a boss: their PI.
Description: Many postdocs in a sandwich position struggle with the difficulties related to their position: They know what e.g.the doctoral candidates do, discuss aims and invest a lot of time in support and supervision. But if the PI demands changes or assigns new tasks they have to take it into account in their planning although they might not agree.
The Postdoc-Talk addresses the challenges sandwich leaders have to face and shows that sandwich leaders not only have to “lead” doctoral candidates but also other colleagues and their PI. The key insight is that knowing the colleagues and the bosses interests and motivations is a key to shape the relationship and to influence the bosses decisions - and in the end to better balance the different needs of e.g. PhDs and PIs.
Content:
- What does it mean to lead colleagues and bosses?
- Different types of motivation: employees/PhDs, colleagues and PIs.
- Trust as a key resource.
Developing strategies for “upward leadership”.
Speaker: Jan Schmidt, I2A Network, Professional Training and Coaching
Cooperation Partner: Munich Postdoc Network
Registration: The series is open to all postdocs in the Munich area and we do not limit the number of participants. You can register until Tuesday noon before the respective Talk via the registration form and will receive the login data shortly before the talk. For this format, there is no selection process and you do not need to inform us if you are unable to participate.