|
Dear Postdoctoral Community,
As we head into the summer, I want to take a moment to acknowledge your continued dedication to research and your contributions to the Vanderbilt community. Your hard work is truly appreciated.
I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our postdoctoral fellows and faculty mentors at the Annual Postdoc Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 21, followed by a reception and networking opportunity. Further details and the RSVP link are included below.
Programming for the postdoc community will continue over the summer. The final VPA “Speak Easy” of the academic year will take place on Thursday, May 15, and the Graduate and Postdoc Academic Success program will host two mentoring workshops. Details on these opportunities are also included below.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can support your in any way.
Best,
| | | |
|
C. André Christie-Mizell
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Dean of the Graduate School
Centennial Professor of Sociology
| |
|
2025-2026 VPA Executive Board Nominations Open
The Executive Board helps to promote scholarly learning, social activities, and postdoc advocacy. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in the postdoc community and enact any changes you would like to see in postdoc culture on campus. Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. Postdocs with any number of years of experience are encouraged to apply.
Available positions are:
- President
- Vice President
- Scholarly Advancement Chairs (1-2 positions*)
- Community Building Chairs (1-2 positions*)
- Postdoc Advocacy and EDI Chairs (1-2 positions*)
- Career Development Chairs (1-2 positions*)
More information on the VPA can be found on their website. Information on the purpose and function of the VPA and each elected position can be found in the VPA Bylaws.
This year’s ballot will also include a vote on a proposed bylaws change. Committee co-chair elections will be held twice a year—in November and May. The 12-month term remains the same. This staggered structure ensures that there is one experienced co-chair in place to support continuity and facilitate effective knowledge transfer.
*If this change passes, the nominee with the most votes for each committee chair position will be elected with one current committee co-chair remaining through December.
Nominations are open through Friday, June 13 with voting to follow. Elected members will attend the July VPA Executive board and take over thereafter.
| |
| | You're Invited! Annual Postdoc Awards on May 21
| |
| To RSVP to the ceremony on May 21 at 3:00 p.m., click here.
| |
| | May 15: VPA 'Speak Easy' Talk Series
| |
|
Applications for the Fall 2025 ASPIRE Path in Molecular Medicine (APMM) are due Monday, June 2, 2025.The APMM Program is open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the biomedical sciences at Vanderbilt University and offers a unique opportunity to integrate thesis work with clinically relevant, disease-focused areas of research. The program includes a combination of didactic and experiential learning, seminars, and mentored experiences guided by both clinical and basic science mentors.
| |
| 2025 PHER Pilot Grant ProgramCall for ApplicationsThe VUMC Program for Population Health and Engagement Research (PHER) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Pilot Grant Program. This intramural initiative will fund up to two innovative research projects, up to $10,000 per award, that seek to achieve optimal health across populations. All funded projects must be completed within 12 months of the award, by June 15, 2026. All postdocs are eligible to apply!
- Application Deadline: May 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CDT
- Learn more and apply here.
- Questions? Contact Mariela Rodriguez.
| |
| | Symposium in Honor of Dr. David H. Wasserman
| |
|
Please join the Vanderbilt School of Medicine as they honor the life of Dr. Wasserman and celebrate his accomplishments and lasting legacy. The symposium will feature speakers in metabolism research, including former trainees and collaborators, who will present their scientific work and highlight the impact he had on them. The symposium will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, in the Student Life Center from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., followed by a light reception from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
| |
|
NIH Summer Course: Clinical & Translational ResearchJuly 7-11, 2025
The NIH is offering a free Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (IPPCR) course this summer! This free, online program provides an overview of the fundamentals of clinical research to demonstrate the role of PhD scientists in clinical and translational research, provide an overview and examples of how basic science and clinical observations lead to translational research, and increase awareness and access to PhD role models, research resources, and potential career opportunities at the NIH. This course provides an opporunity for didactic learning through lectures, discussions, and small group activities. The course also provides an opportunity to learn more about the unique resources available at the NIH, to meet with researchers and program administrators, and to learn more about potential career opportunities at the NIH.
Core Topics:
- Study Design (Statistics and Critical Review)
- Protocol Development and Implementation
- Scientific and Ethical Review of Research
- Special Topics in Training and Research Opportunities
- Medical Product Development and FDA Regulations
- Implementing Lessons Learned
Eligibility Requirements:
- Received a Ph.D. in a basic science program
- Currently appointed to a basic research position at a U.S. institution
- Not previously awarded a clinical degree (e.g., MD, DO, PharmD, DVM, DNP), or currently enrolled in a clinical degree program
- No significant clinical research experience (e.g., principal investigator of a clinical research study, previously completed a clinical research course)
- Have supervisor's approval to participate in the course
Registration is now open. Learn more and sign up here!
| |
|
Academy of College Teaching: Register Today!
The Academy of College Teaching (ACT) is co-sponsored by AdvancED and the Graduate School. This 10-week program is a redesign and continuation of the previous Certificate in College Teaching program and will integrate both theory and practical applications. This program aims to prepare participants for future careers in higher education teaching and is intended for Vanderbilt graduate students and postdocs whose goals are to become more effective educators and who wish to gain a clearer, deeper, more active approach to teaching and learning in higher education. As such, this program is most useful for Vanderbilt graduate students and postdocs in their last two years on campus at Vanderbilt who intend to pursue positions in higher education institutions with a teaching component. The program focuses on the research on learning and best teaching practices and supports the university’s pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out to the AdvancED team at advanced-teaching@vanderbilt.edu or 615-322-7290 for guidance.
| |
| Huo Early Career FellowshipsApplications Due May 23
Effects of the Usage of Digital Technology on Brain Development, Social Behaviours and Mental Health in Children and Young People
The Huo Family Foundation invites applications for early-career fellowships to support talented and promising postdoctoral researchers on the path to independence. These fellowships are to allow early-career researchers to design, plan and deliver their own innovative research project, and to make the transition to independent researcher.
Proposals should be tackling key questions within the broad topic of the effects of usage of and exposure to digital technologies on brain development and function (including physiological responses), social behaviour and interactions, and mental health of children and young people.
- Fellowships are for up to a three-year term.
- The fellowship amount is up to £130,000 / US$169,000 per year.
- The fellowship should begin between January and March 2026.
More on eligibility:
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant field, which may include but is not limited to neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, epidemiology, public health, computer science, social science, economics.
Applicants must have completed their PhD in January 2022 or later i.e. at the time of award be within four years of completing PhD.
For more information or to apply, please visit their website.
| |
| | Scientist in the Classroom: Applications Now Open!
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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!
| |
|
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.
| |
| | Effective Mentoring Strategies for Postdocs
| |
|
Postdocs, sharpen your supervision and leadership skills by encouraging by attending the Effective Mentoring Strategies for Postdocs workshop this summer!
This interactive session, led by the Graduate & Postdoc Academic Success Office, will equip postdocs with practical tools to mentor with clarity and confidence—skills that are essential both now and into your academic futures.
This interactive session will help you build foundational skills in:
✅ Following Up & Following Through
📝 Creating Compacts & IDPs
👂 Listening with Intent
🎯 Aligning Expectations
Choose the session that fits best with your schedule:
📅 Tuesday, June 24 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📅 Wednesday, July 16 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
| |
|
Career CenterThe Career Center supports VU postdocs with the non-academic career exploration and planning of postdoctoral fellows in non-biomedical 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.
| |
|
Join the Beyond Prof team for this week of webinars designed specifically for doctoral students and postdocs:
- May 5: What employers actually value about your degree
- May 6: How to write a resume
- May 7: How to network when you don’t have a network
- May 8: Using LinkedIn in your job search
- May 9: How to find jobs that will give you stability | Navigating job market uncertainty
When: May 5-9, from 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. EDT daily.
Where: Online via Zoom webinar. Replay available for registrants.
| |
|
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/Resume Drop-In Clinic:
Tuesday, May 6 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, May 20 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, May 27 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, June 3 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
| |
| 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 events hosted throughout the fall and spring semesters.
| |
| 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.
| |
|
| | Connect with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
| |
| | Connect with the Vanderbilt Postdoc Association (VPA)
| |
| Postdoc Spotlight: Joanie Martin, Ph.D.
Joanie is a postdoc in the Division of Nephrology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She earned her Ph.D. from Meharry Medical College in 2024, where she studied host protein defenses against HIV-1 infection, leading to a first-author publication in Viruses. Prior to that, she completed her Master’s in Agricultural and Environmental Science and her undergraduate degree in Laboratory Animal Science at NC A&T State University. Joanie’s current research focuses on sex-specific purinergic signaling in kidney cells and circadian blood pressure regulation in pregnancy. Originally from Charlotte, NC, Joanie is passionate about translational research and advancing our understanding of renal and cardiovascular physiology. Read more about her work in our May postdoc feature here.
| |
|
SAVE THE DATE! VPA 2025 Symposium
Mark it in your calendars! This year, the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association's Symposium will be held in the Student Life Center on Tuesday, October 14.
The VPA is excited to announce that Dr. Jules White, Professor of Computer Science and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor for Generative AI in Education and Enterprise Solutions will be the 2025 Keynote Speaker.
| |
| 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!
| |
| 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.
| |
|
National Postdoc Association
NPA SmartSkills: Surviving and Thriving in the First Year as a Faculty Member
In this session, the NPA will host a webinar designed for postdocs transitioning into their first faculty position. The NPA will discuss issues related to navigating the landscape of academic life, offering expert guidance on balancing teaching responsibilities, maintaining an active research agenda, strategically engaging in service, and effectively building your professional reputation. They will share practical strategies for recruiting students, engaging in reflective teaching practices, and maintaining research productivity while establishing yourself in your professional field. Register here for the May 27 virtual course.
| |
| 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!
| |
| 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/.
| |
|
