Program Overview

Negotiation Skills for Scientists

Course Information

The course "Negotiation Skills for Scientists" is designed to help doctoral candidates and postdocs develop essential negotiation skills for success in today's competitive working environments.

Course Details

• Date: Monday, 9th March 2026, 09:00 - 17:00, and Tuesday, 10th March 2026, 09:00 - 17:00
• Registration Start: 21st January 2026, 09:00
• Registration Deadline: 9th February 2026, 12:00
• Cost: The course is free of charge for doctoral candidates and postdocs of the University of Basel (minimum 6, maximum 12 participants)
• Instructor: Rob Thompson

Course Objectives

The course aims to equip participants with the skills to negotiate positive outcomes, influence and persuade others, and progress together in a collaborative environment. The scientific environment poses unique challenges, and excellent negotiation skills are essential to ensure that individuals can modify their plans to fit with group goals.

Course Content

The workshop will cover:

• Goal setting techniques
• How to persuade effectively
• Building confidence and being appropriately assertive
• When to use authority and creating a solution-focused attitude and environment
• Dealing with conflicting motivations and resolving conflict
• Dealing effectively with difficult people (The Red Liner Model of interpersonal interactions)
• Ensuring clear communication and dealing with differing gender or cultural communication styles

Course Format

The workshop will be a structured discussion forum to facilitate ideas and develop strategies. It will be highly interactive, with participants expected to participate, provide strong arguments when necessary, and negotiate win-win outcomes.

Target Audience

The course is designed for all doctoral candidates and postdocs.

Instructor Information

Rob Thompson has over 12 years of experience helping groups in the public and private sectors optimize their interpersonal relationships and group management. He has delivered workshops in many of Europe's most prestigious research institutes.

Workload

The total workload for the course is 17 hours, consisting of preliminary work (30-minute questionnaire, maximum 1 hour) and 16 hours of course attendance.

Special Considerations

In the event of a change in the COVID-19 situation, the course may be switched to an online format, taking place on 9th, 10th, and 11th March 2026, from 09:00 to 15:00. Course places will be allocated by lot after the initial 24-hour registration period, and participants will be notified by email. Full course attendance is mandatory, and participants who fail to attend without prior notification or withdraw after the registration deadline may be subject to a fee.