Committee Members:
Chair: Siddhi Jain, PhD, Pathology, School of Medicine (Division of Experimental Pathology)
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The Career Development Committee plays a vital role in empowering postdoctoral associates and scholars by providing access to essential career-building resources. Our focus is fostering both personal and professional growth through meaningful engagement, mentorship, and skill development opportunities. As chair, I will work with the committee to organize a range of events—including informational interviews with professionals from diverse sectors, panel discussions with experts and alumni, and a postdoc seminar series to highlight the research accomplishments within our community. We will also collaborate with the OACD to support grant writing sessions, research symposia, and career fairs tailored to the needs of postdocs. Our goal is to increase participation and create inclusive spaces where postdocs can explore career pathways, strengthen their professional networks, and gain the confidence and tools needed to advance their careers. To make these efforts successful and more inclusive, we are actively looking for volunteers. Your involvement will make a difference and help create valuable resources for the entire postdoc community. Member:
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EVENTS
Each year, the Career Development Committee collaborates with OACD to organize the Postdoctoral Research Symposium. The Postdoctoral Research Symposium allows postdocs across the University of Pittsburgh to network, develop collaborations, and share research from diverse fields, campuses, and departments.Posters at the Postdoctoral Research Symposium are evaluated by a diverse set of judges and several posters receive travel awards each year. Be sure to sign up and participate for your chance to win!
CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Leading People in Organizations Micro-credential
This condensed program for postdocs offered by the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business is popular among postdocs interested in advancing their professional and leadership skills. Find more information about the micro-credential here. Postdocs can use tuition benefits to reduce the costs of enrollment in the micro-credential. Please find key information for postdocs interested in enrolling in the Leading People in Organizations micro-credential here, including how to avoid taxation for tuition benefits.Columbia University Career MODE program
The Career MODE program (Careers through Mentoring and training in Omics and Data for Early-stage investigators) offered by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and open to postdocs outside of Columbia University. The program provides participants with mentoring, professional skills, technical skills, and networking to foster their pathways to independence using omics and data sciences. Trainees will experience mentored research, networking opportunities, and training in omics, data science, grant writing, and lab leadership and management. The 11-month program is led by internationally recognized leaders and mentors in omics and data science. Applicants can also be considered for scholarships that waive all associated costs.Grant Writing for Postdoctoral Trainees
This grant/fellowship writing course offered by the University of Pittsburgh is targeted to post-graduate PhD- and MD-level scientists interested in applying for National Institutes of Health (NIH) F and K series grants (including K99/R00), other federal training grants (e.g., VA, DoD) or nonfederal foundation grants. In addition, this course satisfies the professional development requirements of T32-supported trainees.Importantly, postdocs will write a draft of their intended application as part of this course and receive feedback from instructors and other participants. Postdocs can apply tuition benefits to defray the cost of enrollment. More information on this course can be found here.
Fourth River Solutions (4RS)
Fourth river Solutions is a group organized by Ph.D. candidates and post-doctoral fellows in STEM interested in translating skills from cutting-edge academic research to real world business solutions. Candidates who have a desire to gain experience outside of their classical training, strong leadership experience, and a demonstrated interest in business are encouraged to apply to be a consultant. Prior business experience is not required-- training opportunities are provided to all new members to familiarize them with business concepts, principles, and strategies.Science Career Symposium
This annual symposium organized by the University of Pittsburgh OACD enhances the professional development of postdoctoral fellows and graduate students by providing direct access to PhD professionals who have successfully made the transition to exciting careers covering a range of employment settings and job sectors. Gain insight into the pros and cons of different career paths. Register and find out more about this symposium here.Pitt Training Resources
The University of Pittsburgh Office of Academic Career Development (OACD) is dedicated to providing tools, resources, and support to graduate and medical students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, clinical fellows, and faculty, potentiating career excellence at all levels. The OACD provides copious training resources that can be accessed by postdocs across the University of Pittsburgh. Find more information about OACD resources for postdocs here.The University of Pittsburgh Center for Research Computing (CRC) supports leading-edge research with free access to advanced computing hardware and software for fields across the entire research community, along with training and consultation by CRC research faculty. The CRC offers workshops year-round on topics ranging from getting started with computing basics to intermediate level coding and advanced bioinformatics. More information on upcoming workshops can be found here.
The University of Pittsburgh is a partner institution in the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL), a cross-university national network of 22 diverse research universities committed to advancing the professional development of the next generation of STEM faculty. Check out the Pitt-CIRTL website for information about the three-tier, nationally-recognized Certification in STEM Teaching and other professional development seminars, workshops, and courses offered by the local Pitt CIRTL program.
Check out the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute, the University's hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, for resources about services for Pitt innovators, workshops, educational programming, mentoring, and networking.
The Institute for Clinical Research Education is home of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and provides a range of career development programs and activities.
The University Center for Teaching and Learning provides a variety of workshops and online teaching resources. To look over and register for upcoming events, visit their website.
HIRING RESOURCES
Looking for a job in Pittsburgh? NEXT Pittsburgh lists job postings every Monday and Thursday. Check out their website for current listings. Career information can also be found at Imagine Pittsburgh. Looking for a job in the health sciences outside of Pittsburgh? Sign up to become a member of The Dropout Club, the networking website for doctors and scientists seeking innovative careers.Interested in a job in academia but need more resources? Check out BestColleges.com's Education Career Guide.