icon / home icon / small arrow right / light Veranstaltungen icon / small arrow right / light Event Tip: PATTERN/ERA Talent Workshop „Thriving/Surviving as an International Postdoctoral Researcher: Well-being, Careers, and Support“

Event Tip: PATTERN/ERA Talent Workshop „Thriving/Surviving as an International Postdoctoral Researcher: Well-being, Careers, and Support“

Date:

January 22, 2026 | 2 PM – 4 PM

Organiser:

EURAXESS in collaboration with PATTERN project

Location:

Online

This workshop explores the realities of being an international postdoctoral researcher.

From navigating short-term contracts, visas, and new academic cultures to managing stress, isolation, and work–life balance. Drawing on evidence about early-career researcher mental health, it offers practical strategies for wellbeing, resilience, and career planning, including mentorship, support networks, and skill development. The workshop also highlights how institutions can better support international postdocs through structured onboarding, clear career policies, and trained supervisors.

Agenda

Introduction

Mr Achilleas Tsiligeridis, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH)

The International Postdoc Journey: Challenges and Opportunities

  • Short-term contracts
  • Visa/residency uncertainty and administrative issues
  • Adapting to academic culture in another country
  • Integration into local networks
  • Balancing     career development, research output, and personal life
  • Opportunities for growth: transferable skills, global networks, interdisciplinary work

Mental Health Realities for Early-Career Researchers

  • Evidence of elevated stress, anxiety, and depression among PhDs and postdocs (e.g., Levecque et al., 2017)
  • Work–Life Balance, Work-Family Conflict
  • Perfectionism and imposter syndrome
  • International status can amplify isolation and stress

Practical Strategies for Postdocs: Well-being &Resilience

  • Prioritize sleep, exercise, and hobbies
  • Build support networks (local postdoc associations, peer groups)
  • Seek mentorship early—inside or outside your lab
  • Learn to negotiate workload and expectations
  • Explore career options early (academic & non-academic)

What Can Institutions Do?

  • Provide structured onboarding for foreign postdocs
  • Offer independent mentoring or ombudspersons
  • Train supervisors in cross-cultural communication and mental-health awareness
  • Ensure transparent career development policies

Useful Resources

  • International Office/Careers Service/Counselling Service etc. for mobility     and career guidance
  • Local postdoc associations and mental health services
  • Peer support
  • ReMO COST Action Evidence Hub for best practices and data
Registration
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