The Scientific Leadership Development Program supports students and postdoctoral fellows in biomedical sciences through online training and professional development programming. Participants in the virtual program will engage with recorded lectures, conceptual learning materials, peer-group discussions, and occasional live training sessions that focus on the application of concepts and tools through group exercises and interaction with guest speakers.
The program is designed to instill four competencies for postdoctoral training success as identified by the National Postdoctoral Association: professionalism, leadership and management, communication, and responsible conduct of research. Customizable to each individual’s needs and interests, the on-demand program further prepares students and postdoctoral fellows to lead successful and fulfilling careers in a wide range of biomedical- and research-related sectors.
To join the Scientific Leadership Development Program, please contact Faculty Director, Brian J. Nickerson or Associate Director, Giovanna Collu at sldp@mssm.edu
Training Modules
We offer a variety of training modules that enhance your skills and prepare you for success in your chosen field. Our current modules include:
Communicating Visual Data
You will learn how to identify and avoid common pitfalls in data visualization, such as bias and distortion, as well as gain an understanding of the principles of effective design, and best practices for designing charts and tables, color use, and file formats.
Team Effectiveness
You will explore the stages of team development, including the characteristics of each stage, typical behaviors of team members, and strategies for facilitating team cohesion and productivity. You will also identify effective strategies for managing team dynamics and fostering communication among team members.
Basics of Biomedical Commercialization at Mount Sinai
You will be provided with an overview of the key concepts and skills needed to start thinking about how to successfully commercialize biomedical research. You will explore topics such as “customer” discovery, identifying and protecting intellectual property, developing a commercialization plan, and securing funding and partnerships to support your venture.
Influencing Others
You will learn the concepts underlying influence, discuss different influence styles and tactics, and evaluate your own personal style. You will discuss emotional intelligence and how it affects influence, as well as considering ways to influence people in research collaborations.
Upcoming Training Modules
We are continuously developing new content for the program. Upcoming modules include:
Exploring the Bioscience Ecosystem
For scientific discoveries to be developed and eventually impact the public, academia, government and the private sector must work together. This module covers the basics of how these three sectors contribute to scientific innovation, how you can thrive within these sectors and help drive the scientific ecosystem forward, and ways to maximize the impact of your research.
Strategic Leadership
To be an effective leader, you need to hone your skills in building community, working in diverse teams, and navigating systems. Effectively supporting your people requires you to consider equity and equality and to practice inclusive leadership together with cultural- and self-awareness. This module will discuss leadership principles such as strategic planning, relationship building, and managing teams, with a lens of inclusivity and aligning your actions with your goals.