Stanford University
Postdoctoral Scholars

Postdoctoral Education at Stanford

Stanford offers numerous opportunities for postdoctoral scholars to enhance their training experience and academic and professional development.  The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) organizes the Scientific Management Series and Postdoc Academic Chats—two distinct programs open to postdocs throughout the campus.  In addition to the information below, check out the events calendar for dates and times of upcoming academic events that are relevant to postdocs.    

Postdoc Academic Chats

From Postdoctoral Scholars to Your First Years as a Professor - and the Strategies You Need to Get There

Recognizing the uniqueness of the postdoc experience, the Postdoc Academic Chats are monthly lunch-time seminars for postdocs across the University who considering academic careers. They are led by Rick Reis, the founder and coordinator of the internationally acclaimed Tomorrow's Professor eNewsletter, providing advice for prospective and current academics, and author of the book Tomorrow's Professor: Preparing for Academic Careers in Science and Engineering (Wiley, 1997). Note: The eNewsletter and the Academic Chats are for people from all disciplines.

Prior to each Chat, attendees will be sent three short Tomorrow's Professor eNewsletter postings (total reading time for all three articles should be no more than 15 - 20 minutes) on the specific topic under discussion.

Upcoming Postdoc Academic Chat: Your Professional Preparation Strategy – Substance Alone Is Not Enough, on Friday, February 5 , noon - 1:30 p.m.  To sign up, e-mail your name and department to Rick Reis.

Academic Chats Schedule for 2009-10

Chat #
Topic
Date
Time
Location
Required Readings
1.1
How Academia Really Works - What You Don't Know Can Surprise (and Bite) You with guests: Hugh O'Brodovich, Professor and Chat, Department of Pediatrics, and Russ Fernald, Professor of Human Biology, Department of Biological Sciences Friday, November 6, 2009 noon – 1:30 p.m. Postdocs in Biosciences: Clark Center, Room S360
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1.2
How Academia Really Works - What You Don't Know Can Surprise (and Bite) You with guests: Curtis Frank, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs, School of Engineering, and David Brady, Professor of Political Science and in the Graduate School of Business Friday, November 6, 2009 noon – 1:30 p.m. Postdocs in Social Sciences & Engineering: Assembly Room, Bechtel International Center
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2.
YOUR PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION STRATEGY – Substance Alone Is Not Enough Friday, February 5, 2010 noon – 1:30 p.m. TBD Please check back for required readings
3.
TEACHING AS A POSTDOC - Why It Really Matters Friday, March 5, 2010 Noon – 1:30 p.m. TBD  
4.

APPLYING FOR ACADEMIC POSITIONS - And You Thought Getting A Postdoc Was hard

Friday, April 9, 2010 Noon – 1:30 p.m. TBD  
5.

STARTING OUT RIGHT AS A PROFESSOR  - It's More Than Just Looking Out For #1

Friday, May 7, 2010 Noon – 1:30 p.m. TBD  
6.

Managing A Research Program - Insights For Beginning Faculty

Friday, June 4, 2010 Noon – 1:30 p.m. TBD  
7.

The Thriving Professor - Finding Balance in Your Personal
and Professional Life

Friday, July 9, 2010 Noon – 1:30 p.m. TBD  

Scientific Management Series

Goals and Objectives

The Scientific Management Series aims to introduce postdocs to laboratory or research management skills that are critical to launch productive independent careers in academic and other settings. This series discusses some of the most critical aspects in effectively directing and managing a research lab.  The series draws on a number of senior faculty and other prominent experts who draw on their own journey managing a research enterprise.  SMS hopes to offer their perspective.  The series is intended to complement the HHMI/BWF book, Making the Right Moves – A Practical Guide to Scientific Management for Postdocs and New Faculty.

Events


Independent Courses

Goals and Objectives

A variety of courses are offered throughout the year to provide formal training to postdoctoral scholars in all facets of their chosen careers. These are intended to augment rather than replace the one-on-one "teaching" that occurs as part of the normal mentoring process between postdocs and the faculty members with whom they work.

Current Courses:

Previous Independently scheduled courses include:


Previously ---

PRECEPT (primarily for Clinical Scientists)

Principles of Research in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Study Design, and Ethics for Clinicians to Enhance Postdoctoral Training

This is a special program for postdoctoral scholars in clinical programs with a series of courses specifically designed for their needs:

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Stanford Medicine Resources:

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