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Dear Postdoctoral Community,
As the semester winds down, many of you are focused on meeting deadlines and finishing projects. Remember to make use of the resources around you and take time to recharge as the holidays and winter break near.
Thank you to the VPA Symposium Planning Committee for making the 18th Annual Postdoc Symposium a success, and congratulations to our award winners! I hope you found the day inspiring and enjoyed the networking hour with your fellow postdocs.
Our annual holiday luncheon will take place on Monday, December 9, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Room (202) of Alumni Hall. RSVP by November 22 to reserve your spot.
Best,
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C. André Christie-Mizell
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Dean of the Graduate School
Centennial Professor of Sociology
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| | You're Invited! Annual Postdoc Holiday Luncheon
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Immigration Workshops with ISSS
ISSS is hosting Immigration Attorney Day again on Thursday, November 7th. Dan Oldenburg of Cline Williams is coming back to Vanderbilt to share his insight on questions beyond F and J status. If you are curious about options for staying in the U.S. after graduation or program completion, don’t miss this!
All sessions are in-person and will take place in the Alumni Hall Lounge. The sessions will be general in nature, and the attorney cannot address case-specific questions. He cannot give you legal advice, but rather a foundation for next steps and options.
You must register for each session you will attend. Space is limited, so only register if you plan to be there. These sessions will be recorded, but we encourage you to attend in-person to get the information and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Below are the sessions offered. Click on the link(s) below to register!
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Humanities Career PanelPresented by University of Tennessee, Knoxville
This virtual panel will feature former humanities postdocs who will share their career journeys, challenges, and successes after completing their postdoctoral training. Panelists will offer insights into their current roles, provide advice for navigating diverse career paths, and answer questions collected from participants in advance. Please join us for this valuable opportunity to hear firsthand experiences and gain practical advice for shaping your own career beyond the postdoc stage. You can register to attend this virtual seminar here.
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| Wednesday, November 13 | 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Light Hall 415A-D
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Let's Review: 18th Annual VPA Postdoc Symposium
The 18th Annual VPA Symposium was held on Monday, October 14. The interdisciplinary one-day conference consisted of a keynote by Dr. Patricia Clark from the University of Notre Dame, poster presentations, lightning talks, a professional development workshop with Stacey Satchell, MA, a panel on communication and public engagement, and a lively networking reception to end the day. Congratulations to the following award recipients:
Poster Winners
🏅 Session A Judge's Winner: Ahmad Toubasi 🏅
🏅 Session B Judge's Winner: Erik Beadle 🏅
🏅 Session A People's Choice Award: Supaporn Kulthinee 🏅
🏅 Session B People's Choice Award: Jessica da Conceição Mendoza (UT) 🏅
Lightning Talk Winners
🥇 1st Place - Jacob Bouchard 🥇
🥈 2nd Place - Keavash Assani 🥈
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| Individual Development Plan (IDP) WorkshopThursday, November 21 | 1:00 p.m. | Alumni Hall 206
All postdocs complete an IDP early in their postdoc appointment and on a yearly basis. Join this workshop and learn how to benefit from this important document and make the most of your IDP.
Dr. Mariann Piano, Senior Associate Dean for Research, Postdoctoral Fellowship Director, School of Nursing, will present.
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| | RSVP for 2025 Translational Research Forum
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On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Vanderbilt researchers will be presenting their recently funded science initiatives at the Student Life Center from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The forum will include a talk by Katalin Susztak, MD, PhD as the keynote speaker for the event along with faculty plenary talks, trainee poster sessions, networking opportunities, and more. To attend the event, please register here.
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| 2025 ExCEL Scholar Award Competition
The Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) ExCEL Committee is pleased to announce the third annual ExCEL Scholar Award Competition.
They are seeking mid to late-stage postdoctoral researchers with outstanding research achievements who are preparing to transition into an independent position in academia. Selected candidates will be invited to present their research at the ExCEL Symposium at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine on March 14, 2025. During their visit, awardees will also interact with our current trainees and faculty in one-on-one meetings and networking events.
The candidate’s research interest should align with one of the MECCC research programs (Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis; Stem Cell and Cancer Biology; Cancer Therapeutics; and Cancer Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control). They specifically encourage women and candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
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VU & VUMC Limited Submission OpportunityWinter 2025 NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00)
Applications due November 12, 2024
Vanderbilt (VU+VUMC): This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions
Overview
VU and VUMC may each submit one application per scientific focus area to the NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) programs. The scientific focus areas are Cancer Data Science, Cancer Control Science, Molecular/Precision Cancer Prevention and Other Cancer Research. There are three separate RFAs, which allow different types of proposed research (e.g. basic, clinical): PAR-23-286, PAR-23-287, and PAR-23-288. Each of VU and VUMC’s four selected applicants (1/focus area) may apply to whichever RFAs best suit their research proposals.
The objective of the NCI Pathway to Independence Award is to help postdoctoral researchers complete needed, mentored training and transition in a timely manner to independent tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions. The program will provide independent NCI research support during this transition to help awardees to launch competitive, independent research careers. The K99/R00 award is intended to foster the development of a creative, independent research program that will be competitive for subsequent independent funding and that will help advance the mission of the NCI.
This program is designed for postdoctoral fellows with research and/or clinical doctoral degrees who do not require extended periods of mentored research training beyond their original doctoral degrees before transitioning to research independence. Researchers in the scientific areas of cancer control, cancer prevention and cancer data sciences are especially encouraged to apply.
Individuals must be in mentored, postdoctoral training positions to be eligible to apply to the K99/R00 program. The K99/R00 award will provide up to 5 years of support in two phases. The initial (K99) phase will provide support for up to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral research training and career development. The second (R00) phase will provide up to 3 years of independent research support, which is contingent on satisfactory progress during the K99 phase and obtaining an approved, independent tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position.
The award covers up to $100,000 per year toward the salary of the career award recipient, and up to $30,000 per year toward the research development costs of the award recipient.
See solicitations for full program and eligibility details:
PAR-23-286 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed
PAR-23-287 - Independent Clinical Trial Required
PAR-23-288 - Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required
Internal Application Process:
Anyone interested in being considered to submit a proposal must submit the following materials by 5 p.m. on November 12, 2024. Note the different submission instructions for VU and VUMC postdocs, below.
1. Brief (2-page maximum) research plan including summary budget;
2. Statement of support from department chair/center director;
3. NIH Biosketch
For VU-employed Postdocs:
- Submit all application materials via InfoReady by November 12, 2024 at the following link: https://vanderbilt.infoready4.com/#freeformCompetitionDetail/1953787
- In your application, indicate to which RFA and which scientific focus area (cancer data science, cancer control science, molecular/precision cancer prevention, or other cancer research) you would apply.
- Any questions about this opportunity, eligibility, or the LSO process may be directed to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.
For VUMC-employed Postdocs:
- Submit all application materials in a single PDF to lso@vanderbilt.edu by November 12, 2024. Visit the OOR site for more detail.
- In your email, indicate to which RFA and which scientific focus area (cancer data science, cancer control science, molecular/precision cancer prevention, or other cancer research) you would apply.
- Any questions about this opportunity, eligibility, or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu.
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| Join Us For IEW: International Game Night & TacosTuesday, November 19 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Light Hall 415ABCD
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The VPA is looking for current Vanderbilt Postdocs to serve as mentors for their new Postdoc BuddyProgram!
The goal of this program is to systematically match new, incoming postdocs with current Vandy postdocs based on multiple factors that the buddies deem fruitful for a match to help build a supportive, welcoming community! As a current postdoc, your insight about Nashville and Vanderbilt will serve as a key resource to those who are transitioning into new positions. Remember that one hour of support/advice from a peer is worth more than 100s of pages of Word documents with lists of resources!
This is an excellent way to gain mentorship and academic leadership experience. We encourage our buddies to meet at least once during the new postdoc’s transition to Vanderbilt (virtually or in-person at one of the VPA sponsored events!). Otherwise, the mentor buddy will serve as a point of contact for incoming postdocs for any informal questions, advice, and support! The VPA will check in with mentor buddies each quarter to give volunteers the opportunity to recommit to an additional semester.
To get started, please complete this quick survey located here.
The VPA team will notify you as soon as possible, when you have been matched with an incoming postdoc!
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Graduate and Postdoc Academic SuccessThe Graduate & Postdoc Academic Success (GPAS) are here to support graduate students and postdocs with anything that keeps them from doing their best academic work. They provide strategies to address concerns around progress and productivity, as well as, navigating academic relationships. They address your needs through 1-on-1 consultations and success planning sessions. Additionally, both of their staff members are Gallup-Certified Strength Coaches and able to give you access to the CliftonStrengths Assessment to help you accomplish your best work utilizing an authentic approach to who you are and how you show up. If you are interested in meeting with one of the staff members, you can schedule an appointment here. If you ever feel like you are “stuck” in your writing and/or research, we hope that you will reach out and connect with them.
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Career CenterThe Career Center supports VU postdocs with the non-academic career exploration and planning of postdoctoral fellows in STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences disciplines. At the Career Center, students and postdoctoral fellows learn and explore professional opportunities through internships, career coaching, workshops, career panels, on-campus recruiting, job fairs, and industry-based treks. Currently, Jessica Abner, PhD and Whitney Taylor, PhD serve as the Senior Career Coaches for the postdoctoral population. If you're interested in taking advantage of any of their services, please check out their website for more information and to make an appointment. Additionally, you can attend some of their upcoming events listed on Handshake.
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BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program The BRET Office Career Development ASPIRE Program provides career and professional development services and enrichment activities for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in the biomedical sciences at VU and VUMC.
Upcoming Events Hosted by the BRET Office of Career Development:
CV/Resumé Drop-In Clinics
Tuesday, November 12 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, November 19 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, December 03 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
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| The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center is an on-campus office and resource to help celebrate and empower women in both their professional and personal aspirations, helping to boast their overall lives as they navigate through their time at Vanderbilt University. You can read more about the Women's Center on their website and by attending some of their upcoming events below!
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| A Financial Literacy Workshop
Monday, November 4 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Sarratt 325/327
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| Future Finance: Preparing Your Kids for Financial Success
Tuesday, November 12 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Online via Zoom
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| Unpacking the Caregiving Backpack
Monday, November 18 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Online via Zoom
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| Talking and Writing Across Cultures
Tuesday, November 19 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Sarratt 325/327
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Thursday, November 21 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Online via Zoom
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| | We're Here for You: Open Office Hours
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| Now Leasing: The Broadview at Vanderbilt
The Broadview at Vanderbilt's ideal location on Broadway and 20th Avenue in midtown Nashville puts you just 2 blocks from the Vanderbilt campus and half a mile from VUMC, making your commute a breeze!
The Broadview offers brand-new studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment. Each home is outfitted with upscale features and finishes including a fully equipped kitchen, stainless steel appliances, wood-style flooring, in-unit washer/dryer, and private bedrooms and bathrooms.
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| | Connect with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
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| | Connect with the Vanderbilt Postdoc Association (VPA)
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| Postdoc Spotlight: Sarah Williford, Ph.D.
Sarah is a postdoc in the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO) program within the department of Teaching & Learning at Vanderbilt University where she is currently researching the intersection of STEM education and policy, aiming to cultivate a strong understanding of scientific principles and critical thinking skills, which she says provides the educational foundation for producing a workforce capable of striving in our ever-evolving world. Prior to her postdoctoral role here at Vanderbilt, Sarah completed her Ph.D. studies at the University of Alabama, Birmingham where she studied how the glucose transporter 3 plays a role in the highly invasive nature of glioblastomas. After completing her Ph.D., Sarah made the shift to combine science and education into policy advocacy, where she hopes to work in D.C. to advocate for evidence-based policies as it relates to STEM education and scientific advancements. Read more about her work and her passion for science policy in our November postdoc feature here.
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2023-2024 Annual Report
This past year marked the 150 anniversary of Vanderbilt University. This sesquicentennial year was an exciting year for the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. During the 2023–2024 academic year, the OPA worked closely with postdocs, campus partners, faculty, and staff to ensure postdoctoral fellows received support during their postdoctoral training.
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| The Career Center is proud to present their free, self-service photo booth. Just step inside, pose, and share!
Located in the Student Life Center, this resource is free and available to the entire Vanderbilt community. The photo booth is available for use anytime the Student Life Center is open. Check out this flyer for more details!
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| Holy Days CalendarAs a reminder, the Vanderbilt Holy Days Calendar provides a broad list of major holy days throughout the year and includes recommended accommodations for community members observing each holy day. For more information, please read the communication here.
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National Postdoc Association
NPA SmartSkills: Understanding Research Development Careers
In this session, Samarpita Sengupta, Ph.D., will discuss how Research Development (RD) is a non-traditional career path. RD professionals (RDP) make team science happen by guiding researchers and teams through proposal development, team science, and strategic planning for research innovation and excellence. Postdoctoral training confers effective and highly transferrable skills that make postdocs valuable as RDP candidates. Register here for the November 19 virtual course.
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| Join VPA Slack Channel!
The VPA has revamped the VandyPostdocs Slack channel to foster a vibrant postdoctoral community, with dedicated channels for all general announcements, calendar events for all postdoc-related activities, job postings, social events (both formal and informal), and discussion about anything and everything!
*Must re-signup even if you have previously signed into the former Slack because this is a brand new channel!
How to sign into VandyPostdocs Slack:
- Visit the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Associatiion website.
- Click the link at the bottom (vandypostdocs.slack.com).
- Sign up with your VU or VUMC email.
- Launch Slack in your browser or download the app.
Then you should be all set! Feel free to post a message in any of the channels or request to start a new channel based on an interest you may have.
Important Note:
Must be signed in with VU/VUMC email to access VandyPostdocs Slack workspace.
Explore the VandyPostdocs Slack Channel today and connect with your fellow postdocs. For any assistance, contact the OPA (opa@vanderbilt.edu) or the VPA Community Building Co-Chairs (alicia.cronin@vumc.org or ilkin.safa@vumc.org). Let's build a stronger, more connected postdoc community together!
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| Employee Affinity Groups
Employee Affinity Groups (EAGs) are open to all Vanderbilt employees, regardless of identity. Staff, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars who identify as part of or have a close affinity to these groups are encouraged to attend. You can learn more about which group you identify most with from our options below:
Association of Vanderbilt Black Faculty and Staff (AVBFS)
Women & Working Moms
To learn more about Employee Affinity Groups or to join, visit the EAG website.
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| Nature Masterclass
Nature Masterclasses are developed by Nature Research and provide professional development training for researchers by drawing on the expertise of Nature Research journal editors and experts. Faculty, staff, postdocs, and students of Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center are free to sign up at https://masterclasses.nature.com/.
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