Professional development and mentorship are core components of a postdoctoral appointment at Western University. Through the Postdoctoral Competitive Edge Program, the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS), in collaboration with the Postdoctoral Association at Western and the Postdoctoral Advisory Committee, provides a structured framework to support postdoctoral scholars in developing their research, professional, and career competencies.

This framework is designed to help postdoctoral scholars clarify expectations with supervisors, engage in intentional skill development, and prepare for a wide range of academic and non-academic career pathways.

Postdoctoral Competitive Edge Program

The Postdoctoral Competitive Edge Program supports postdoctoral scholars in building a competitive professional profile during their appointment at Western. The program emphasizes structured mentorship, career planning, and opportunities to strengthen both academic and transferable skills.

Through the program, postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to pursue development opportunities aligned with their career goals, including:

• Advanced research and research leadership skills
• Grant writing and publishing experience
• Teaching, mentorship, and academic service
• Project and research team management
• Professional communication and networking
• Career exploration across academic, public, and private sectors

Professional Development Plan (PDP)

At the centre of the Competitive Edge Program is the Professional Development Plan (PDP) for postdoctoral scholars. The PDP is a structured tool that supports clear communication and shared expectations between postdoctoral scholars and their supervisors.

The PDP helps scholars:

• Identify short- and long-term career goals
• Assess strengths, skills, and development needs
• Plan training and experiences aligned with career objectives
• Support ongoing reflection and progress throughout the appointment

Postdoctoral scholars are expected to complete the PDP within the first few weeks of their appointment and to revisit it periodically as goals and opportunities evolve.

Professional Development Plan for Postdoctoral Scholars (PDF)
Structured planning tool used to document goals, mentorship, and professional development activities.

Mentorship and Supervision

Effective postdoctoral training is supported through both supervision and mentorship, which serve distinct but complementary roles.

Supervisors are responsible for research oversight, performance expectations, funding arrangements, and appointment-related responsibilities.

Mentors may include faculty members, industry partners, or community leaders who provide broader guidance on professional growth and career development. Mentors may not be directly involved in the postdoctoral scholar’s research.

Western encourages postdoctoral scholars to build a mentorship network and to engage in regular conversations focused on career planning, skill development, and professional growth. Structured mentorship is associated with improved training outcomes, clearer expectations, and stronger postdoctoral experiences.

Professional Development Opportunities

Postdoctoral scholars at Western have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities offered through SGPS, the Postdoctoral Association at Western, and campus partners.

Opportunities may support:

• Research skill development and research leadership
• Transferable professional skills such as communication and project management
• Teaching and educational development
• Career preparation for academic, public sector, and industry roles

Postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to select opportunities that align with their Professional Development Plan and career objectives.