Leadership Programme
Postdoctoral Leadership Programme
This aim of this programme is to develop leadership understanding, encourage reflection on leadership roles, and build transferable skills for any professional context, including academic research.
Postdoctoral Research Staff encounter leadership opportunities in many aspects of their work, from coordinating complex research projects with multiple stakeholders to managing the effective functioning of research groups, leading the design and delivery of internal and external initiatives (such as workshops, development activities, research projects, or social events), and shaping the strategic direction of their independent research.
This programme is designed to enable participants to develop a more comprehensive understanding of leadership, critically reflect on where and how they can exercise leadership, and cultivate a core set of transferable skills relevant across diverse professional contexts, including academic research. Participants will be encouraged to actively apply the principles and frameworks introduced to their current responsibilities and to emerging leadership challenges in their careers.
Applications to the 2026 Postdoctoral Leadership Programme are now open! Details are available on this page and an Information and Guidance document which includes a link to the online application form is linked at the bottom of this page.
Content and Frequently Asked Questions
The Postdoctoral Leadership Programme explores the following topics during a two-day workshop.
Workshop 1: Knowing myself as a leader
- Insights Discovery Psychometric tool: An interactive introduction to the way people think, behave and communicate; and how to use cognitive diversity to achieve powerful outcomes.
- Introduction to Leadership: (Direction, Alignment, Commitment – DAC – model, Drath et al.): Leadership versus management – understanding similarities and differences. You will carry out a DAC self-assessment to identify your strengths and areas for growth, as well as discuss the importance of our own personal values in leadership.
Workshop 2: Leading without authority
- Vision Building: Why do it and how to do it. Vision building as a key component of setting direction; why it’s critical in a leadership context; and how to (co-)create an inspiring vision that engages others.
- Coaching Skills for Leaders: Bringing out the best in others. Looking at the mindset and skills set of coaching, how this can be used to support the performance and growth of those we work with.
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When is the programme organised and when can I apply?
The Postdoctoral Leadership Programme is organised once per academic year.
When the programme is open for applications, an information and guidance document, which includes a link to apply for the programme via an online form, is added to this page and promoted to all current postdoctoral researchers across the university via PDC communication channels.
- Are there any pre-requisites to participating in the programme?
Participants are required to complete an Insights Discovery Psychometric Questionnaire, which will be sent to all successful applicants via email approximately 2 weeks in advance of the first workshop.
This tool is quick to complete and will provide a detailed personal profile, which will be used within the workshop.
- How do I apply for the programme?
Candidates are required to complete a short online application form, which is available within the Information and Guidance document linked at the bottom of this page.
As part of the application, candidates should clearly outline their motivation for applying to the programme, including their interest in developing leadership capabilities, and describe how they intend to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the programme to their current role and future professional development.
- How many places are available?
Numbers are restricted to 20 on this programme.
In the event of oversubscription, applications will be anonymised and assessed by a panel appointed by the PDC.
Facilitator
Dr Louise O'Meara
Dr Louise O'Meara is Programme Director at the William J Clinton Leadership Institute, Queen's University Belfast. She graduated with a PhD in Social Sciences from the University College Cork, where she studied the kind of leadership that supports collaboration for social change in Belfast.
Louise develops and facilitates leadership programmes for many different organisations, bringing over 25 years of experience as a facilitator, coach, and programme designer, along with her expertise in collaborative approaches to leadership.
Apply for the Postdoctoral Leadership Programme
Applications to the 2026 Postdoctoral Leadership Programme are now open!
View the Information and Guidance document and apply for the 2026 Postdoctoral Leadership Programme
Application deadline: Application forms should be completed before midnight on Monday 9 March 2026.