PRIVACY, DATA SECURITY AND
TERMS OF USE

It's very important to us to protect data, especially your personal data, and to use it strictly in line with applicable privacy and data protection laws.

We collect only the data and personal information we need to deliver our programs, we don't share it or sell it, and we have effective systems in place to protect it.

When using this website you accept our Privacy and Data Security policy, and our Terms of Use, so please read about how we gather, use and manage your personal information below. Make sure you are comfortable with the conditions that apply when you visit the site or take part in one of our programs.

QUICK NAVIGATION

PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY

[Updated September 2024]

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1. When we talk about 'us', we mean the business that operates the PostdocTraining website, the Postdoc Career Success products and services, the Career Control for Researchers website and the Career Control for Researchers products and services. When we talk about 'you', we mean the person using or enquiring about these websites, products or services.

1.2. 'Personal data' or 'personal information' is information that directly identifies you, such as your name and email address, or data that could be used, on its own or in combination with other data, to identify you.

2. STAYING ANONYMOUS

2.1. You can browse our websites anonymously, although some information about your visit may be collected electronically, for example via 'cookies' (see 'Cookies and Analytical Tools'). You will not be able to access our member-only training programs or materials anonymously.

3. COLLECTION OF DATA

3.1. We collect personal data about you when you give it to us or explicitly consent for it to be given to us. This generally occurs when you complete an online form or register for one of our programs directly or through your institution, or when you introduce yourself to us in order to receive more information about our services.

3.2. We collect and process the minimum amount of information we need to deliver effectively to you the service you have registered for, to fulfil a service contract or to meet a legal obligation. This information can include:

  • Your name(s)
  • Your email address
  • Information required by your institution to qualify you, or allow it to register you, for our programs
  • Your preferences with regard to accessing our material, components of our programs or taking part in particular activities
  • Any details that you provide to us voluntarily in order to receive career-related advice and support from us that is specific to your situation.

3.3. We will not seek sensitive personal data from you, such as health details or information revealing your religious beliefs or ethnic origin, unless we are obliged to do so under a contract that covers your connection with us, or are otherwise legally compelled to.

3.4 We do not collect financial information relating to you such as bank card details. Online payments for our services are processed remotely through PayPal which has its own stringent security regime.

4. COOKIES AND ANALYTICAL TOOLS

4.1. We may use 'cookies' on our website to provide a way for the website to recognise you and keep a track of your preferences, and to enable you to contact us directly from the website. Cookies may also be used to optimise website speed for your convenience, to allow you to customize our web pages and so that you do not have to keep filling in your details repeatedly.

4.2. The data collected by cookies does not usually identify you, but might combine with other information to identify you. We may use other software applications that identify your interactions with our website, for example to enable us to tell whether you have been able to access course material or to alert us if you have been locked out. Data generated in this way may also be used to let our institutional clients know whether subscriptions they have paid for are being used (see 'Storage and Disclosure of Data').

5. USE OF DATA

5.1. We use your personal data to make sure you receive all the program material and resources you have subscribed for. It allows us to align our products and services as closely as possible to your needs and situation, and to tailor the experience of our websites, products and services specifically for you.

5.2. We control and process data only to enable us to deliver products, services and information that you have requested from us or that are compatible with the reason you provided your personal data.

5.3. To deliver our services efficiently, we may also have your personal data processed on our behalf for particular purposes by specialist data processors (see 'Storage and Disclosure of Data').

5.4. If you voluntarily provide data to us for a stated purpose, for example to enable us to put you in contact with other subscribers to our programs, or as background for a private exchange with us, your data will be used only for that purpose. It will not otherwise be shared with any third party, including specialist data processors, without your specific consent.

6. STORAGE AND DISCLOSURE OF DATA

6.1. The personal data you provide to enable us to deliver you services, support and information is stored on a remote server with strict security to ensure data protection, integrity and confidentiality. This server is monitored continuously for evidence of any unauthorised activity. The data is stored in Germany under the EU's stringent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regime.

6.2. Data is also backed up regularly 'in the cloud' on Amazon S3 via its Asia-Pacific Region storage infrastructure. Amazon S3's standard operating model means that only we have access to this data. See the Amazon Web Services site for further information about how Amazon S3 stores and protects data, and the method it employs to ensure alignment with the EU's GDPR in relation to data transfer.

6.3. We transfer essential name and email address details to the Mailchimp email service (part of US-based Intuit Inc.) so that we can send messages and information to our program subscribers and people who have downloaded one of our free reports. Mailchimp may not use this data for any other purpose, nor in any manner without direct instruction from us. Data provided by you if you access one of our free reports but do not subscribe to one of our programs is stored with Mailchimp for up to 12 months after your last interaction with us before being deleted. We do not use Mailchimp to send confidential information of any kind.

6.4. Where personal data is contained in an email sent or received by you, direct to or from our business email, this is stored as part of our Google GSuite email service subject to independently audited security and privacy standards aligning with current international regulatory regimes and best practice. This includes certifying to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework to ensure equivalence of protection with the EU's GDPR.

6.5. We also use the questionnaire platform SurveyMonkey Europe in the Republic of Ireland to collect information that enables us to deliver our programs and subscriber support, meet our contractual commitments and receive feedback from you on our services. That information is held on our behalf and SurveyMonkey may not use that data for any other purpose. The information you leave in survey responses is purely voluntary and you may elect to make your data anonymous. Survey data is owned by us and is subject to this Privacy and Security policy.

6.6. Both Mailchimp and SurveyMonkey have strict privacy policies and security regimes for storing and managing data aligning with the leading international data protection standards, including the EU's GDPR. Both adhere to all obligations associated with certification to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework via the Data Privacy Framework program, to protect privacy of data where it is transferred across borders.

6.7. If your institution or employer is funding the subscription that gives you access to our services, we may provide them with data about usage of that subscription. The information we provide is normally aggregated so as not to identify individuals. Institutions may be able to combine information we provide with data they hold to identify you. If we are obliged to share information that identifies individuals it concerns only the focus and scope of usage of our services, not the substance of any interactions with you or other personal information.

6.8. We do not give away or sell your personal data and, with the exception of the specialist processors described in this section, will only share it with another party with your express consent or if we are required to do so under the same service contract that gave us access to your data in the first place. We will disclose your personal information if we are legally compelled to do so.

7. EMAIL

7.1. If you receive an email message from us then your email address is either listed with us because you are someone who has expressly provided this address for the purpose of receiving services and/or information ('opt in'), or you have previously subscribed for, or expressed clear interest in, our products and services.

7.2. Email we send to you contains an easy, automated way for you to unsubscribe from receiving email from us. You may also instruct us to cease sending emails by contacting us at info@postdoctraining.com.

8. DATA RIGHTS

8.1. At your request, we will tell you what personal data about you is being processed, on what basis, and by whom. If you decide your data should not be processed for one or more purposes, you may prohibit us from using your data in that way.

8.2. You may amend inaccurate, incomplete or outdated personal data at any time by applying directly to us at info@postdoctraining.com. If we do not agree that data should be amended, we will notify you and keep the original data and your request to amend data.

8.3. You may withdraw from our subscription programs or distribution list at any time via a direct instruction to us. You may opt to cease receiving emails from us by following the automated process at the end of our email messages or by instructing us directly.

8.4. You may also request that all personal data we have collected about you be deleted from our records and erased from information stored by any third party organisations processing data on our behalf.

8.5. If data we have collected about you is processed using automated means, you have the right to receive that data in a structured, machine-readable format and to transmit it to another data controller without hindrance.

9. LINKS AND PUBLIC FORUMS

9.1. We have no control over the information that can be accessed through links from our website. You use links to such information at your own risk. If you post your personal information in a public forum, we have no control over how it is used and no responsibility to protect it for you.

9.2. If you provide us with feedback or a testimonial about our services, you give us your consent to use this on our website or in other marketing material anonymously and in a form that does not otherwise identify you. We will not use your name or words that might identify you without explicit permission. You agree that we may edit your feedback or testimonial in minor ways, provided the meaning is not changed.

10. CONTACT US

10.1. Let us know if you have any requests, feedback or concerns regarding the way we manage your personal data via the 'Contact' tab on our websites or via info@postdoctraining.com. We will respond to you within 30 days and take action to fix any problems, within reason, as quickly as possible.

10.2. If you are not happy with how we manage your concerns, you can contact our regulator, the Australian Privacy Commission, via http://www.oaic.gov.au.

We reserve the right to update our Privacy and Security Policy at any time, including to meet our legal obligations.

TERMS OF USE

[Updated September 2023]

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1. When you read the words 'us', 'our' or 'we', it means the training organisation, PostdocTraining. The words 'you' or 'your' means you, the visitor to our website or user of our products and services.

1.2. This website is operated by The Outset Trust trading as PostdocTraining, ABN 19 925 159 501. Contact address: PO Box 953, Toowong, Brisbane, QLD 4066, Australia; or email info@postdoctraining.com.

1.3. By using our website you accept these Terms of Use. It you do not agree, your remedy is to stop using our website. We may update these Terms of Use from time to time, so you should revisit them each time you use our website, if you have any concerns.

2. LINKS DISCLAIMER

2.1. Our website may contain links to other websites ("Linked Sites"). The Linked Sites are not under our control and we are not responsible for the contents of a Linked Site. We are not responsible for any form of transmission received from any Linked Site. Links are provided to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply our endorsement of a Linked Site, or any association with its operators.

3. NO UNLAWFUL OR PROHIBITED USE

3.1. As a condition of your use of this website, you warrant that you will not use this website for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these terms of use. You may not use this website in any manner which could damage, disable, overburden, or impair this website or interfere with any other party's use and enjoyment of this website. You agree not to hack into areas of this website that are not intentionally made available by us.

4. HAVING YOUR SAY

4.1. We expect you to show courtesy and respect when using this website. This website may use services that provide members of the public with the opportunity to publish comments or opinions. You agree to use the services on this website only to post, send and receive messages and material that are proper and related to the particular products and services we provide. By way of example, and not as a limitation, you agree that when using this website, you will not:

  • Defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwise violate the legal rights (such as rights of privacy) of others.
  • Post or distribute any inappropriate, profane, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent or unlawful topic, name, material or information.
  • Harvest or otherwise collect information about others, including e-mail addresses, without their consent.
  • Upload any material protected by intellectual property laws unless you own or control those rights or have received all necessary consents.
  • Upload any material that has been altered to remove proper legal notices.
  • Download any material posted by another user that you know, suspect or reasonably should know, cannot be legally distributed in such manner.
  • Advertise or offer to sell or buy any goods or services for any business purpose, unless we provide a particular forum for those messages.
  • Conduct or forward spam, surveys, contests, pyramid schemes or chain letters.
  • Restrict or inhibit any other user from using and enjoying our website services.
  • Violate any code of conduct or other guidelines that we proscribe.
  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations.
  • Upload files that contain viruses, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another's computer.

4.2. Material uploaded to any part of our website may be subject to stated limitations on usage, reproduction and/or dissemination. You are responsible for complying with those limitations if you download the material.

5. POSTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

5.1. Always use caution when giving out any identifying information about yourself or others anywhere on the internet. We do not determine or endorse the content, messages or information found in any part of this website where users are able to contribute their own posts and material. We specifically disclaim any liability with regard to those parts of this website and any actions resulting from your participation in using those parts of this website. Managers and hosts of forums and blogs are not authorized spokespeople for PostdocTraining, and their views do not necessarily reflect those of our business.

6. MONITORING OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES

6.1. We are not obligated to monitor posts or materials published by members of the public on this website. However, we reserve the right to review materials that are posted and to remove any materials at our sole discretion. We reserve the right at all times to disclose any information as necessary to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or governmental request, or to edit, refuse to post or to remove any information or materials, in whole or in part, at our sole discretion.

7. MATERIALS POSTED ON COMMUNICATION SERVICES

7.1. We do not claim ownership of the materials you post on any of part of this website (including feedback and suggestions). However, by posting any information or material you are granting PostdocTraining, our affiliated companies and necessary sub-licensees permission to use your information or material in connection with the operation of our and their businesses including, without limitation, the rights to: copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, edit, translate and reformat your information or material; and to publish your name in connection with your information or material. No compensation will be paid to you with respect to that use of your material or information.

7.2. We are under no obligation to post or use any material or information you may provide and may remove any of your material or information from this website at any time at our sole discretion. By posting your material or information you warrant and represent that you own or otherwise control all of the rights necessary for you to post that material or information.

8. ACCESS TO THE WEBSITE

8.1. 24-hour access to this website, including areas restricted to members or program participants, cannot be guaranteed at all times due to 3rd-party involvement in hosting the website, but every effort is made to minimise any disruptions.

9. TERMINATION/ACCESS RESTRICTION

9.1. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to terminate your access to this website and the related services or any portion of it at any time, without notice.

10. GENERAL DISCLAIMER

10.1. You specifically acknowledge and agree that your use of this website and products and services found on this website are at your own risk. Anything available via this website may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information on and available via the website. We make no representations about the suitability, reliability, availability, timeliness, and accuracy of anything contained on this website, for any purpose, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. Anything contained on this website is provided 'as is' without warranty or condition of any kind, unless specifically stated otherwise.

10.2. The information and services offered by PostdocTraining are for educational purposes, to help visitors to our website and program participants develop clarity of career direction, and the capabilities and confidence to achieve their maximum potential. The information, products and services we provide are not accredited by a third party and do not lead to any formal certification. We do not guarantee any results based on the information you receive.

10.3. You acknowledge and agree that no information or advice provided by us constitutes medical, legal or financial advice or advice of any other regulated industry or creates a warranty of any kind with respect to this website and you acknowledge that you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice tailored to your situation. Any legal information on this website is for information only and does not replace the need for specific advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

10.4. This disclaimer applies to the fullest extent permitted by law, and shall survive any termination or expiration of this agreement or your use of this website or the services found on this website.

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

11.1. We will not be liable to you or any other person or entity for any damages whatsoever arising as a result of your use of this website in any way. In addition, where warranties are implied by law, you acknowledge and agree that the total aggregate liability to us is limited to the total amount paid by you for the particular products or services that are the subject of the cause of action, even if those products or services were provided to you at no cost.

11.2. This limitation of liability applies to the fullest extent permitted by law, and shall survive any termination or expiration of this agreement or your use of this website or the products and services found on this website.

12. APPLICABLE LAW

12.1. This agreement is governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia and you consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in Queensland, Australia in any and all disputes arising out of or relating to the use of this website. Use of this website is unauthorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these terms of use, including without limitation this paragraph. If you are resident in a jurisdiction where the use of this website is unauthorized, it is your responsibility to cease using this website.

13. RELATIONSHIP

13.1. You agree that no joint venture, partnership, employment, or agency relationship exists between you and PostdocTraining as a result of this agreement or use of this website.

13.2. Our performance of this agreement is subject to existing laws and legal process. Nothing contained in this agreement can be used to inhibit our right to comply with governmental, court and law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your use of this website, or with regard to information provided to or gathered by us with respect to such use.

14. VALIDITY

14.1. If any part of this agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall continue in effect.

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

15.1. Unless otherwise specified in these Terms of Use, this agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and PostdocTraining with respect to this website.

16. COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS

16.1. All contents of this website, and the products and services provided by us, are copyright by PostdocTraining. Please contact info@postdoctraining.com should you require permission to reproduce any of the contents of this site. The names of actual companies and products mentioned on this website may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Where any fictitious companies, organisations, products, people and events are depicted on this website as examples, no association with any real company, organisation, product, person, or event is intended or should be inferred.

17. PERMISSION

17.1. Only your personal use of our copyright materials is permitted, which means that you may access, download, or print such materials for your personal use only. Commercial use of any sort is expressly prohibited. You agree not to change or delete any copyright or proprietary notice from materials downloaded from this site or any site accessible through this site. Any requests for our permission to publish, copy, reproduce, distribute, transfer, or otherwise use any materials contained in the web site should be directed to info@postdoctraining.com. Any rights not expressly granted in these terms are reserved.

18. ADDITIONAL TERMS FOR PROGRAM SUBSCRIBERS

18.1. Participants in our Postdoc Career Success and Career Control for Researchers programs are subject to the same Terms of Use and Privacy Policy as all visitors to our website and those using or enquiring about our services. Further Terms of Use specifically for program participants are as per sections 19. and 20.

19. TERMS OF ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION

19.1. Subscriptions to our programs are sold as one-person access licences and are not transferrable. This includes any arrangement reached for a discounted offer for several users joining at the same time. In such cases, each user of a group will receive his or her own log-in details to access our services at a discounted rate related to the number of members joining together. If one or several members subsequently cancel their membership, the remaining members may be charged based on the remaining number of members in that group.

20. CANCELLING YOUR PROGRAM SUBSCRIPTION

20.1. If you have registered for one of our programs independently via PayPal, please note that unsubscribing by using the automated 'Unsubscribe' process in program emails will only stop the emails being sent, and will not cancel any future payments due. To cancel payments, you will need to log in to your PayPal account and use the 'Payments' tab in your account settings to access the cancellation option.

21. CONTACT US

For any questions, comments, feedback or complaints please use the 'Contact' tab on our websites or email us via info@postdoctraining.com.

We reserve the right to change our Terms of Use at any time, including to meet our legal obligations.