Session 1. From Postdoc to Principal Investigator: Your Role as a Leader (10.19.26)

From Postdoc to Principal Investigator: Leading a High-Functioning Research Group

The transition from postdoctoral fellow to principal investigator requires a new set of skills critical for building a positive lab culture, motivating diverse teams, managing conflict, providing effective feedback, and helping others perform at their best. From Postdoc to Principal Investigator: Leading a High-Functioning Research Group is a four-part series designed to help you develop the leadership and people management skills essential for running a successful research program. Drawing on evidence from organizational psychology, leadership science, and higher education, participants will learn practical strategies for creating an inclusive, resilient, and high-performing research environment where both science and people can thrive. Attendance at all four sessions is not required, but is highly recommended. Some sessions will be followed by voluntary case study sessions.

Session I. Your Role as a Leader—Monday, October 19, 3-5pm

In this session we will explore the mindset shifts needed to transition from postdoc to research group leader. We will discuss leadership styles and explore important elements of self-awareness and emotional intelligence required for success. We will also discuss differences between supervising and mentoring while creating psychologically safe environments that promote accountability, resilience, and well-being.