What resources are available to postdoctoral researchers? What barriers and supports exist in the postdoctoral community?
During National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology hosted a LinkedIn chat to answer these questions. Four panelists discussed shared resources to support postdocs pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This conversation took place on the ASBMB LinkedIn page using the hashtag #NPAW. This transcript has been edited for length, clarity, and style.
Panel introduction
Tom Kimbis
elizabeth aguilera
Dustilynn Savage
Rachel McKinley
Tom Kimbis: I’m the executive director and CEO of the American Postdoctoral Association, the national voice for the postdoctoral community. Our members include 20,000 individual members and 250 research institutions.
Our mission: To improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. At the individual, institutional, and national levels, we foster professional growth, raise awareness, and collaborate with stakeholders in the postdoctoral community.
Our Vision: We envision an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors.
As Executive Director, I oversee the strategic operations of our association.
NPA membership is free to all postdocs, graduate students, and faculty whose institutions are members of NPA (more than 250 institutions are members). Join us here.
Elizabeth Aguilera: I’m the program director for SACNAS, the Chicano/Hispanic and Native American Association for the Advancement of Science. We are an inclusive organization dedicated to advancing the success of Chicano/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in achieving advanced degrees, careers, and leadership positions in STEM fields. As Program Director, I provide vision and oversight for all SACNAS programs, including the Student Programs, Native Initiatives, and Professional and Leadership Program departments.
Dustilynn Savage: I am the Program Director for the International Center for Professional Development (ICPD). The center primarily benefits ethnically diverse and underrepresented groups. Our programs utilize facilitated mentoring, direct instruction, and web-based learning to serve students, industry executives, and entrepreneurs. I oversee the implementation of the program and lead recruitment efforts for university applicants.
Rachel McKinley: I’m a senior science policy manager at ASBMB. ASBMB is an international scientific association that supports approximately 12,000 scientists at various career stages, from undergraduate students to experienced researchers in academia, government, and industry. ASBMB’s mission is to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology and to promote understanding of the molecular nature of life processes.
I work with the ASBMB Public Affairs Advisory Committee to advocate for increased funding for scientific research. Improving diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in STEM. Addressing emerging issues in the research enterprise. and support the next generation of scientists. I also manage the ASBMB Advocacy Training Program. The program provides members with practical science policy and advocacy skills to conduct independent advocacy projects.
What resources does your organization have for postdocs?
Kimbis: NPA maintains an extensive resource library filled with resources for postdocs and postdoctoral office leaders. The library is free to use for all members. Once you join NPA, it’s easy to use. Visit the library site and explore. Topics include advocacy, careers, diversity, international, mentoring, and more. Tools are divided into publications, toolkits, and webinars. These tools were developed primarily by volunteer committees to address the specific needs of the postdoctoral community.
Aguilera: For postdocs, SACNAS provides access to relevant webinars and key programs such as grant writing workshops, an online postdoc community, and formal leadership training institutions. SACNAS’ programs are designed to help professionals, including postdocs, strengthen their capabilities and achieve their career goals. The program is specifically designed with both professional development and community-building aspects in mind. These comprehensive programs equip and empower professionals to succeed in their careers and continue their STEM journeys with tangible skills, networks of support, and an enhanced sense of self. Our goal is to equip postdocs with the skills they need to succeed in their careers and build lasting relationships along the way. This skill may not be available at your current educational institution. Please visit our website for more information.
Savage: ICPD has several programs designed to support postdocs and companies in the biotech-pharmaceutical, medical technology, and consumer healthcare industries in their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. One example is the Scholars of Diversity Engagement Program run by Johnson & Johnson. Another is our scientist mentoring and diversity program. This one-year career mentoring program pairs ethnically diverse students (bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D./Ph.D. graduates) with industry mentors who are senior executives working at companies in the industry. SMDP helps students successfully transition from academia to professional careers. SMDP annually awards paid fellowships to students from the United States and Puerto Rico, and 70% to 85% of SMDP scholars secure positions in industry.
McKinley: ASBMB has many resources available to postdocs. We offer on-demand recordings of online events, including webinars on topics such as grant application budgeting, writing effective teaching texts, and early career reviews at the National Institutes of Health. We also have a Career Center where you can search for new positions, sign up for job alerts, speak with a career coach, and have your resume critiqued.
What professional development opportunities does your organization offer postdocs?
Kimbis: NPA offers several professional development opportunities for postdocs, including:
SmartSkills – Monthly online interactive classes aimed at providing the specific tools the postdoctoral community needs for professional and personal success. SmartSkills is held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 3:00 PM ET and is free to all members.
MyPostdoc Webinar. Several webinars are held throughout the year that are of interest to the postdoctoral community and are free to all members.
Volunteer work on the NPA committee. Great opportunity to develop leadership and management skills.
Aguilera: SACNAS provides year-round support for postdocs, including related webinars and the SACNAS Postdoc Community Program, which is hosted virtually on the Discord platform at no cost to postdoc members. SPCP aims to help postdocs build a community with the next generation of scientists, where they have the opportunity to share resources and connect in meaningful ways.
We also offer the Postdoctoral Leadership Institute, a training program that strengthens postdocs’ leadership capabilities, including building skills to set values-based priorities and lead teams in a culturally responsive manner. . If you would like more information, please contact elizabeth@sacnas.org.
Dustielyn Savage: Once admitted to SMDP, scholars receive the following benefits: Five days of in-person professional development training experience and attendance at major industry conferences. 1 year of virtual mentoring. Training on resume writing, personal branding, and elevator pitches. We also offer lifetime membership to our online community, which includes job listings, networking, professional development curriculum, and ongoing virtual events.
Raechel McKinley: ASBMB provides many professional development opportunities for postdocs.
The association is part of the NIH-funded Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers MOSAIC program (MOSAIC), an NIH initiative to increase diversity in the academic biomedical research workforce. initiative and is designed to facilitate the transition of postdoctoral fellows from diverse backgrounds. Build an independent faculty career at a research-intensive institution.
ASBMB offers the Art of Science Communication Course where members can learn how to become effective science communicators.
Our public affairs department offers a “Finding the Fund” webinar series to educate members about fundraising training opportunities and federal funding agencies.
What are the abstract submission deadlines, travel award deadlines, and dates for your organization’s annual conference?
Kinbis: Registration for the NPA Annual Conference opens in early October for the largest conference for the postdoctoral community in the United States. Next year it will be held March 21-22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. There are many opportunities for professional development, including concurrent sessions and keynote speakers. , networking opportunities. The abstract submission period is now open and closes on September 30th. Applications for the NPA Scholarship (Travel and Childcare Award) close on October 7th.
Aguilera: SACNAS hosts NDiSTEM, the annual National Conference on Diversity in STEM. NDiSTEM is the nation’s largest interdisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity conference. This gathering will help prepare, empower, and energize participants for academic and professional paths in STEM. During the event, attendees from the university level to professionals will enjoy cutting-edge STEM research, professional development sessions, motivational keynote speakers, an academic & career expo, multicultural celebrations and traditions, and an inclusive and welcoming experience. Immerse yourself in events. A community of colleagues, mentors, and role models.
NDiSTEM is held every year in late October. Submissions of research abstracts and travel scholarships are accepted in early spring (spring application period) and early summer (summer application period), and session proposal submissions are accepted in early spring. The 2024 conference will run from October 31st to November 2nd.
Savage: SACNAS is a great conference. SMDP exhibited a booth last year, and we are looking forward to exhibiting again this year.
SMDP has two programs: SMDP Biotech and SMDP MedTech. In 2025, SMDP Biotech will be held in Boston from June 14-19, 2025, and SMDP MedTech will be held in San Diego from October 4-9, 2025. SMDP participants will attend Bio International and MedTech Conferences respectively.
Rachel McKinley: The 2025 ASBMB Annual Meeting will be held April 12-15 in Chicago. The early decision deadline for abstracts is October 30th and the deadline for travel awards is December 9th.
Where and how can postdocs get involved?
Kinbis: NPA is always welcoming new volunteers to join our committees, including advocacy, resource development, international affairs, diversity initiatives, conferences (annual conferences), and activities. Volunteer work helps promote a great cause and is a powerful addition to your resume or resume.
Aguilera: #Postdocs can get involved with SACNAS by volunteering in a variety of capacities.
As a mentor through the Mentor Activation for Students (MAS) program As a research presentation abstract judge As a travel scholarship application judge Session proposal judge As a board member or subcommittee member As an NDiSTEM mentor judge In the annual conversation Sessions with scientists at NDiSTEM as mentors
To learn about these and other volunteer opportunities, please visit our Volunteer page. If you are interested in becoming a member, please visit our membership page!
Savage: Applications for the 2025 program will be accepted by the end of September, with a deadline of April 4, 2025. Application forms and call for applicants are available on the SMDP website.
McKinley: Postdocs interested in honing their non-scientific writing skills can volunteer as a contributor to ASBMB Today. Applications for new contributors will be accepted in 2025.
