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Dear Postdoctoral Community,
As we enter the month of November, many of you are focused on meeting deadlines and finishing projects. Remember to make use of the resources available to you to stay on track and successfully finish out the semester.
Thank you to the VPA Symposium Planning Committee for making the 19th Annual Postdoc Symposium a success, and congratulations to our award winners! I hope you found the day inspiring and enjoyed networking with your fellow postdocs.
Our annual holiday luncheon will take place on Thursday, December 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Memorial Room (202) of Alumni Hall. Please RSVP by November 21 to let us know you are attending.
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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| | Let's Review! 19th Annual Vanderbilt Postdoc Syposium
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| The 19th Annual VPA Symposium was held on Tuesday, October 14. The interdisciplinary one-day conference consisted of a professional talk by Dr. Charreau Bell on emerging AI, keynote by the new dean for the College of Connected Computing, Dr. Matthew Johnson-Roberson, poster presentations, lightning talks, a policy pipeline discussion workshop with Dr. Heather Bloemhard, a professional development workshop on leadership and management, and a lively networking reception to end the day. Congratulations to the following award recipients:
Poster Winners
🏅 Session A Judge's Winners: Anastasia Varanko, Alexander Kwiatkowski, & Milene Fontes 🏅
🏅 Session B Judge's Winners: Dalton Nelson & Madhushi Ratnayake 🏅
🏅 Session A People's Choice Award: Harsh Shah 🏅
🏅 Session B People's Choice Award: Madhushi Ratnayake 🏅
Lightning Talk Winners
🥇 1st Place - Deepika Jayaprakash 🥇
🥈 2nd Place - Milene Fontes 🥈
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| International Education Week
Global Voices: A Coffeehouse Conversation on International ResearchWednesday, November 19 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Alumni Hall Memorial Room (202)
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The Graduate School and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will host Global Voices: A Coffeehouse Conversation on International Research to showcase the outstanding international research of Vanderbilt's graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. This event, part of International Education Week, will take place on Wednesday, November 19, from 12-1:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall Memorial Room (202).
This event provides graduate students and postdocs with a platform for sharing their global research with a broad audience while practicing concise, impactful communication. Participants gain valuable experience in presenting their international work, while sharpening skills transferable to professional success in both industry and academia.
We invite you to submit an abstract to present a 7-10 minute talk about your internationally-focused research. Topics may include field work, international collaborations, study abroad research, global partnerships, or any research conducted outside the United States that has shaped your academic journey. Light lunch and coffee will be provided.
Postdocs and students invited to present at Global Voices will receive a token of appreciation for their participation, have the opportunity to build connections across disciplines by sharing their global perspectives, and enjoy a chance to celebrate international education by fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Who Should Apply: Postdoctoral scholars and graduate students from all disciplines with internationally-focused research they're excited to share.
Submission Deadline: Friday, November 7. Seleceted Postdocs and Graduate Students will be notified on Wednesday, November 12.
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Join us for meaningful conversation, community building, and celebration of Vanderbilt's global impact! Any further questions should be directed to graduateschool@vanderbilt.edu.
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You're Invited! 2025 Annual Postdoc Holiday Luncheon
Celebrate the season with your fellow postdocs at our Annual Postdoc Holiday Luncheon! Join us on Thursday, December 4 at 11:30 a.m. in Alumni Hall 202 (Memorial Room) for good food, festive cheer, and community.
RSVPs are required, and you can reserve your spot by clicking the link below.
Please notate any allergies or dietary restrictions in your registration form.
RSVP by November 21.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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| VU & VUMC Limited Submission Opportunity: Winter 2026 NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00)Applications due November 11, 2025
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 11, 2025. 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/1996277
- 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 11, 2025. 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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The Misophonia Research Fund (MRF) is excited to announce the opening of its 2026 Cycle 8 Request for Proposals (RFP), providing research funding in the field of misophonia, a disorder in which everyday sounds can trigger intense emotional and physiological reactions.
The current RFPs solicit research proposals seeking to better understand misophonia, characterize symptomatology and associated impairments, develop and validate diagnostics, and assess interventional strategies to treat those with the disorder.
The MRF invites proposals from clinical and preclinical researchers across neuroscience, psychology, audiology, neurobiology, genetics, engineering, computational and data science, and related disciplines.
Now accepting letters of intent / proposals for the 2026 funding cycle for three award mechanisms:
Independent investigators and postdocs are encouraged to apply for the following grant opportunities focused on addressing clear gaps in the field and/or generating new knowledge about misophonia that builds upon previous findings using demonstrably rigorous study methods:
- Independent investigator award: Up to $500,000 in total funding support for research projects led by independent investigators at qualifying research-based institutions who hold doctoral-level degrees (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., Psy.D., Au.D.). Grants may span two to three years, depending on the proposed project’s needs.
- Postdoctoral award: Up to $200,000 in total funding for postdoctoral applicants who will have earned their doctoral degree (e.g. Ph.D., M.D., Psy.D., Au.D.) by July 1, 2025. Grants may span two to three years, depending on the proposed project’s needs.
* LOI submission deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT. Invited full proposals are due on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
Independent investigators, postdocs, and graduate-level students are encouraged to apply for this grant opportunity that provides up to $75,000 in total funding in support of innovative research projects to acquire key initial datasets that address clear gaps in the field and/or generate new knowledge about misophonia that is essential to the development of a large-scale research project.
* Full proposal submission deadline: Monday, January 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT.
Applications are now open for the Misophonia Research Consortium Award, designed to bring together two or more independent investigators to pursue ambitious, multi-domain studies that cannot be achieved through individual projects alone. By fostering collaboration at scale, this award aims to accelerate scientific progress through shared expertise, resources, and infrastructure.
Independent investigators are encouraged to apply for this grant opportunity that provides up to $1,500,000 in total funding for researchers dedicated to team science.
* LOI submission deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT.
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| Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer FoundationApplications Due November 21, 2025
The foundation seeks to fund broadly the very best proposals across all relevant disciplines and as such focus areas can include basic, pre-clinical, clinical research and clinical care. While there are no strict limits, fellowships are generally intended to support PhD, MD/PhD and MD physician scientists at earlier stages of their careers to enable them to establish/develop independent programs and compelling careers in breast cancer research and forward-looking patient care. The award period is two years with a 1-year renewal to occur upon reporting successful progress towards year one research goals in a report sent to the Foundation. Stipends are $125,000 distributed over a 2-year period in $25,000 increments as funds are needed, with the intention that all funds are strictly used for direct support of the grantee or their research program. You can learn more and apply here.
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The Office of Research Weekly Update delivers the latest news, events, and funding opportunities from across the School of Medicine. All postdocs are invited to subscribe here!
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Writing Studio Graduate Writing GroupsThe Writing Studio offers weekly writing groups for graduate students and postdocs during the Fall and Spring semesters on Tuesday afternoons from 2-5pm and Friday mornings from 9am-12pm. Students are welcome to attend one or both days and are encouraged to commit to attending each week. Each group meeting begins with a brief 10-minute check-in during which participants are invited to share their writing goals for the session. Participants then check in again at the end of the session to share their progress. A Writing Studio facilitator is available throughout to provide an additional sense of community and accountability. To participate, please complete this registration form.
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The VPA is looking for current Vanderbilt Postdocs to serve as mentors for the Postdoc Buddy Program!
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!
Interested? Complete this quick survey.
The VPA team will notify you 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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The GPAS staff will offer weekly 'co-working' sessions throughout the fall semester on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall Graduate Student & Postdoc Lounge (Room 100) for anyone to come by and work alongside them. This time can be used for writing, planning or other academic projects. Stacey or Nick will be there to discuss any goals setting or accountability questions you may have. If you are looking for a quiet space to work on projects in the company of colleagues, this is the place to stop in. They will also provide free coffee (and sometimes snacks)! See you there!
No registration required.
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BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE ProgramThe 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:
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| ASPIRE UP SERIES
The ASPIRE Up series is a monthly workshop series for biomedical Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scientists to aide in advancing their career and professional skills. Topics will include navigating career choices, grant writing, job search skills and more! Please see the list below for the lastest upcoming ASPIRE workshops and events!
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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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K.C. Potter Center
The K.C. Potter Center is a welcoming space and resource hub for students, postdocs, faculty, and staff. The center provides community, support, and programming aimed at fostering inclusion across campus. Check out their upcoming events on their website.
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| Additional Events, Webinars, and InformationAll postdocs are invited to participate!
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Postdoc Spotlight: Angelo Xiao, Ph.D.Angela is a postdoc in marketing at the Owen Graduate School of Management studying consumer decision-making: how people set goals, sustain motivation, and sometimes fall short. Originally from China, she earned her Ph.D. in Marketing from Carnegie Mellon University, where she examined the psychology behind goal pursuit and self-control. At Vanderbilt, Angela continues this work alongside a collaborative team of researchers exploring how consumers navigate motivation and social influence. Outside of research, she enjoys rock climbing, board games, and spending time with her boyfriend and their puppy. Read more about her work in our November postdoc feature here.
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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: Imposter Syndrome
This session will focus on gaining a better understanding 'Imposter Syndrome', in which by the end of the session you should be able to: (1) Interpret your scores from the self-assessment, (2) Define the imposter syndrome and its characteristics, (3) Recognize how the imposter syndrome can impede career progress, (4) Use practical tools to mitigate feelings of imposter syndrome, (5) Help others who have feelings of imposter syndrome. Register here for the November 18 virtual course.
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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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| Join VPA Slack Channel!
Join the VandyPostdocs Slack channel, where they offer 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!
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). Let's build a stronger, more connected postdoc community together!
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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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| Are you a postdoc that has been awarded a new fellowship or accepted a faculty position? Have you published a high-impact journal article or had your book accepted for publication?
Complete this form to submit this recognition to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs so we can celebrate through our newsletter, website, and social media. Visit our website to read the achievements of our Vanderbilt postdocs.
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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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