Postdoctoral Professional Development Opportunities

Career Opportunity and Professional Development Lecture Series

Invited speakers from different career paths will highlight their experiences in the different positions and provide information about the requirements and interview processes for the different career tracks/types of positions. Typically, speakers provide an informal lecture of one hour with plenty of time for discussion and questions. In addition, speakers will meet with interested students and postdoctoral fellows during small group meeting for additional Q&A.

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows receive information and instruction in various aspects of professional development, including (but not limited to) applying for postdoctoral or faculty positions, extramural grant submission, and work/life balance. Usually, information is discussed in the format of panel discussions or short workshops by multiple speakers with expertise and recent experiences, with ample time for discussion and questions.

Lectures, panel discussions and workshops will be recorded when possible and made available to UMMC students and fellows on a secure website.

Individual Development Plan

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is commonly used in industry to help employees and postdoctoral fellows define and pursue their career goals. myIDP is a unique, web-based planning tool designed to meet the needs of PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in the sciences. 

Educators Training Program

The Educator Training Program (ETP) within the Graduate School offers postdoctoral fellows formal training in educational theory and practice through two courses: Teaching in Higher Education (ID 715) and Teaching Practicum (ID 716). During these two courses, students will study the theories behind successful learning, teaching, and evaluation as they pertain to being an effective educator, as well as put these theories into practice under the mentorship of an experienced educator. Learn more about ETP here.  

Postdoctoral Trainee Skills Travel Program

A critical component of postdoctoral  training is the development of new research skills such as experience with state of the art techniques, manuscript preparation, grant writing and presentation skills. Attendance at workshops and review courses and visiting research laboratories across the country will allow trainees to learn about the latest research techniques and recent advances in biomedical sciences from prominent scientists. This program will also provide trainees with the opportunity to build a network of scientists that will enable them to better transition into the next phase of their career.

The Office of Postdoctoral Studies Trainee Skills Travel Program will provide up to $1,500 per budget year for each postdoctoral trainee. Interested postdoctoral fellows will need to complete a Postdoctoral Trainee Skills Travel Program request form justifying participation in the program. The trainee must have advanced Graduate School approval for travel. The student will complete the form and the mentor must sign the form prior to submission.