McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellows Teaching and Leadership Program

Postdoctoral Scholars Leadership Certification

Welcome to the McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Scholars Leadership certification, Summer 2025. We are excited to open McMaster’s doors to postdoctoral scholars from around Canada. Engage with peers, network and develop the skills require to lead with confidence. Last year we received over 200 applications from 9 provinces, demonstrating such a great need for professional development opportunities for postdocs working in Canada. We look forward to welcoming you to McMaster University’s campus (virtually or in person) and hope that you find your experience enduring, enlightening and impactful.

Background

Being a leader is not just a title; it is a skill to be developed. Leadership is fundamental for those that want to succeed in academia or industry. Despite this, many of those in leadership positions never receive any training on how to effectively lead. This 30-hour certification developed by the McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellows Teaching and Leadership Program in collaboration with the DeGroote School of Business was created to better prepare postdoctoral scholars for the ever-changing leadership landscape. From learning how to effectively communicate, to reflections on leadership influence and emotional intelligence, postdocs will reflect upon their individual leadership style and will develop the tools to help them become the transformational leaders of tomorrow.

For the second time, the McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellows Teaching and Leadership Program is offering a FREE intensive one week offering of the Postdoctoral Scholars Leadership Certification. Open to all Canadian postdocs or postdoctoral scholars working in Canada.

When: Monday July 28th – Friday August 1st 2025

What: 30 hours of leadership training (synchronous and asynchronous content delivery)

How: Synchronous ONLINE (limited spots) or IN PERSON delivery at McMaster University main campus (Hamilton, Ontario)

Costs and considerations

This week-long intensive program is FREE to all postdoctoral scholars. Please note that all in person programming will occur at McMaster University (main campus). Parking and travel costs can be reimbursed to the individual postdoc on a “per case basis” Please speak to the program manager Katie George (georgk8@mcmaster.ca) for further details and cost approval.

The program will provide food and refreshments to all in person participants during daily programming (lunch, refreshments, and snacks). Any other considerations are at the expense of the individual.