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Dear Postdoctoral Community,
As we near the end of the semester, I want to recognize your hard work and dedication to your research programs and to Vanderbilt.
As mentioned previously, the accomplishments of postdocs and faculty mentors will be honored at the annual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 23. The ceremony will be followed by a reception and networking opportunity. As a reminder, the awardees will be featured in the Graduate School sesquicentennial time capsule, to be opened in 2074.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance.
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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Join Us: Annual Postdoctoral Awards on May 23
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To RSVP to the ceremony and reception, click here.
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| | May 16: VPA 'Speak Easy' Talk Series
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| Now Accepting Applications: ASPIRE Program in Molecular Medicine
APMM is a program available to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the Biomedical Sciences at Vanderbilt University allowing for integration of thesis work with important clinical, disease-based areas. This program provides a supervised experience, including didactic and experiential courses, seminars, and individual experiences, under the guidance of a clinical mentor and basic science mentor. More details on training and requirements can be found here.
The Fall 2024 ASPIRE Path in Molecular Medicine (APMM) applications are due Monday, June 3, 2024.
Check out the information sessions before submitting your application. Please sign up here to select a session to attend.
May 16, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. | Zoom
May 21, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. | Zoom
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| | Edge for Scholars: Grant Pacing Workshop
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Registration for the Edge Grant Workshop – Fellowship Series for August 2024 submissions is open.
We invite early career researchers preparing an individual fellowship award (NRSA F series or equivalent) submission to join us for in-person workshops designed to help you prepare the best possible grant. The goal of the workshop is to introduce the participant to grant terminology and help the grant writer develop a plan to make steady progress to completion of their application.
Sample Topics Include:
- Reading a FOA
- Understanding the Required Components
- Demystifying the Grant Process
- Vanderbilt's Submission Process
- Constructing Training/Study Timeline
- Making a Customized Grant Preparation Timelin
- Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid The
- Using Task Lists to Ensure Continuous Momentum
This cycle is for those submitting in August 2024. We will host a one-day workshop in-person on Monday, May 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2525 West End Avenue, Room 209 (6th Floor Boardroom).
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Limited Submission Opportunity: NIH Director's Early Independence Awards
The NIH Director's Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional) supports rigorous and promising junior investigators who wish to pursue independent research soon after completion of their terminal doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training, thereby forgoing the traditional postdoctoral training period and accelerating their entry into an independent research career. For the program to support the best possible researchers and research, applications are sought which reflect the full diversity of the research workforce.
Though most newly graduated doctoral-level researchers would benefit from postdoctoral training, a small number of capable junior investigators are ready to launch independent research careers. The Early Independence Award is intended for these select junior investigators, who have already established a record of scientific innovation and research productivity and have demonstrated unusual scientific vision and maturity. Typical postdoctoral training would unnecessarily delay their entry into independent research. The NIH Director's Early Independence Award also provides an opportunity for institutions to invigorate their research programs by bringing in fresh scientific perspectives of the awardees they host.
By the end of the award period, Early Independence Award investigators are expected to be competitive for continued funding of their research program through other NIH funding activities and for permanent research-oriented positions.
Eligibility:
- Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups and from the full spectrum of eligible institutions in all geographic locations, are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Applications in all topics relevant to the broad mission of NIH are welcome, including, but not limited to, topics in the behavioral, social, biomedical, applied, and formal sciences and topics that may involve basic, translational, or clinical research. The NIH Director's Early Independence Award is a component of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program of the NIH Common Fund.
- Time window for eligibility: The receipt date of the terminal doctoral degree or end of postgraduate clinical training of the PD/PI must be between May 1, 2023 and September 30, 2025. The degree receipt date is that which appears on the official transcript for the degree. The end of postgraduate clinical training includes residency and fellowship periods. The PD/PI must not have served as a postdoctoral fellow for more than 12 motnhs following a previous, non-terminal doctoral degree (i.e., a postdoctoral fellowship served before May 1, 2023).
- At the time of application, the PD/PI must not have served as a postdoctoral fellow for more than 12 months following a previous, non-terminal doctoral degree (i.e., a postdoctoral fellowship served before May 1, 2023). To be consistent with the updated NIH definition of Early Stage Investigators, eligible clinical training includes clinical residency and clinical fellowship.
- Research independence at time of application: Individuals are eligible only if they, at the time of application submission, do not have research independence. Lack of research independence is defined functionally rather than by position title. Eligible individuals must have all the following characteristics:
- The PD/PI's current research agenda is set through concurrence with mentors.
- The PD/PI's research is funded primarily through support to other investigators (mentored fellowships such as NIH F31 or F32 fellowships or NSF Graduate Research Fellowships do not preclude eligibility).
- The PD/PI does not have any space assigned directly by the institution for the conduct of their research.
- The PD/PI, according to insitutitonal policy, cannot apply for an NIH R01 grant without a special waiver or exemption from the institution.
There is no U.S. citizenship requirement for PDs/PIs.
Level of effort: Individuals must commit at least 9.6 person-months each year (i.e., 80% effort of a 12-month appointment) to the Early Independence Award project in years 1-2 of the project period. In years 3-5, awardees may reduce effort towards the Early Independence Award project but must commit at least 9.6 person-months each year (i.e., 80% effort of a 12-month appointment) to independent research in general. General independent research includes the effort spent on the Early Independence Award project and any other independent research projects the awardee is working on.
Budget Info: Awards will be for up to $250,000 direct costs per year for a period of 5 years, plsu applicable Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs.
See the RFA for more information.
Internal Application Process:
Anyone interested in being considered to submit a proposal must submit the following materials by 5:00 p.m. on May 16, 2024.
**Note the different submission intstructions for VU and VUMC postdocs, below.**
- Brief (2-page maximum) research plan including summary budget;
- Include three sections with the following headings to mirror the specific aims format: "Research Objectives," "Institutional Support," and "Early Independence Raitonale."
- Statement of support from department chair/center director;
- The letter must address requirements for Institutional Resources & Career Development Commitment, specifically: allocated laboratory space, institutional financial commitment to investigator, and plans for mentoring and assuring scientific independence.
- NIH Biosketch
For VU-employed postdocs:
- Submit all application materials via InfoReady by May 16, 2024 at the following link here.
- 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 May 16, 2024. Visit the OOR site for more detail.
- Any questions about this opportunity, eligibility, or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu.
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The NIH Office of Clinical Research Education and Collaboration Outreach (OD/OCRECO) offers this free, self-paced online course now through August 1, 2024. Graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, medical, dental, and pharmacy students, scientists, nurses, and other health professionals are encouraged to enroll now. The syllabus can be found here.
Course Details:
- The course is free, online, and self-paced
- A certificate of completion is awarded to participants who achieve an 80% or higher score on the final exam
- The course focuses on the spectrum of clinical research and the research process by highlighting biostatistical and epidemiological methods, study designs, protocol development, quality assurance, ethical and legal issues, and much more
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| | Scientist in the Classroom: Applications Now Open!
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Applications are now open for established postdocs to apply to the Scientist in the Classroom Partnership program. This program is a wonderful opportunity for scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals that are interested in engaging local middle school teachers and students in weekly hands-on experiments. Selected fellows are partnered with a MNPS teacher to co-teach science lessons and conduct experiments one day each week during the school year. It’s a great way to gain teaching experience and build connection with the next generation of citizens and future scientists. A monthly stipend for the fellow’s time is awarded.
More information and the digital application can be found on the CSEO website.
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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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| | Effective Mentoring Strategies for Postdocs
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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, May 7 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, May 14 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, May 21 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, May 28 | 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 posted on their website and in their monthly newsletters.
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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: Taseer Ahmad, Pharm. D.
Taseer Ahmad is a postdoc in the division of Pharmacology at the School of Medicine. In his postdoctoral role, Taseer works cardiovascular related disorders and how medications can isolate and help treat various cardiovascular diseases. Prior to his work as a postdoc, Taseer worked and studied in Pakistan where he received his Pharm. D. In his free time, Taseer loves to spend time with my family and friends, participate in volunteer activities, play cricket and football, hike, make tea (Chai), and cook different Pakistani-style food. Read more about his work and his service in the community in our May postdoc feature here.
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SAVE THE DATE!
VPA 2024 Symposium
Mark it in your calendars! This year, the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association's Symposium will be held in the Student Life Center on Monday, October 14.
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| Symposium Planning Committee: Calling All Postdocs!
The Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association (VPA) is looking for postdocs to join this year’s VPA 2024 Symposium Planning Committee. As a planning committee member, you will have the opportunity to work with other postdocs from VU and VUMC to assist with the planning of the VPA’s largest event. Requirements include attending a 1-hour virtual and some in-person monthly (February to September) and bi-monthly (September-October) meetings to assist with the planning/preparation of the 2024 Symposium, attending the full-day symposium event on Monday, October 14, 2024, and willingness to work in groups to support the Symposium event. This is a 10-month commitment.
For more information on past symposia, please visit the VPA website.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to join the committee, please fill out the RedCap survey using the button below.
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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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National Postdoc Association
NPA SmartSkills: Conflict Resolution
In this session, Sofie Kleppner, Ph.D., will discuss how many people are conflict avoidant, but conflict can help us grow and learn. During this webinar, you will explore your own styles, consider how you might align with different styles, and learn about some strategies for de-escalating and resolving pesky problems. Register here for the May 28 virtual course.
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| New VPA Slack Channel!
The VPA is revamping 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 (jayden.lee@vumc.org or yasmina.mekki@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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