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Postdoctoral Scholar Groups & Associations

Stanford is happy to provide access to a diverse group of postdoctoral scholar groups and associations. The groups listed on this page range from nationally-recognized associations to Stanford's on-campus & identity-based affinity groups. Postdocs are encouraged to take part in any of these groups to better achieve a true sense of belonging to Stanford's campus.

Per OPA’s agreement with OSE, postdoc groups are officially sanctioned entities with rights and responsibilities that are in line with OSE’s policies for VSOs. However, since postdoc groups do not have a profile in CampusGroups, please reach out to the Stanford Recruitment & Engagement Program Manager if you have any follow-up questions about postdoc group leadership/membership status. Similarly, to host an event or form a new postdoc group, contact the Director of Postdoctoral Training.

National Postdoc Groups

Institutional memberships in the following groups are available to Stanford postdocs at no charge:

National Postdoctoral Association (NPA): Sign up at www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/Join and select "Affiliate Individual Member, Postdoc".

National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity: Sign up at www.facultydiversity.org/institutions/stanford and follow instructions.   

On-Campus Postdoc Groups

Stanford University Postdoc Association (SURPAS)

SURPAS, formerly known as SUPD, is the umbrella organization of all postdoctoral scholars at Stanford. SURPAS' mission is to work with university administration in enriching the lives and the career development of postdocs. SURPAS has an extensive website with resources for prospective and current postdocs and international scholars. SURPAS organizes social and academic events.

Chemistry, Engineering & Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H) Postdoc Society

ChEM-H, an interdisciplinary institute that aims to connect chemistry, engineering, and medicine for human health, established a postdoc society to bring together researchers to share interests and ideas. Meetings are held twice monthly, and include opportunities to share your work with your colleagues over lunch or drinks, to discuss ideas or articles that interest you, and to meet other researchers with common interests with whom you can generate new ideas and collaborations.

Stanford Black Postdoc Association (SBPA) 

The Black Postdoc Association builds community among black postdocs that will lead to a professional network to support and promote diversity. SBPA provides information about conferences, workshops, seminars, grants/fellowships, travel awards, and volunteer opportunities related to diversity. Join the SBPA mailing list.

Stanford Chinese Postdoc Association (SCPA)

The Stanford Chinese Postdoc Association (SCPA) is a vibrant community of the Chinese postdocs, across all disciplines, at Stanford University. The SCPA mission is to create and hold a space of all Chinese postdocs, and help them in study, work and life as much as the group can. SCPA welcomes all Chinese postdocs join this group! You can sign up to join the SCPA specific mailing list here.


Stanford Latinx Postdoc Association (SLPA)

SLPA is your comunidad on campus! We strive to improve, enhance, and enrich the Latinx postdoc experience at Stanford. SLPA welcomes postdocs from all departments to join them in community building, professional development, and networking. SLPA is here to support the presence and growth of the postdoc community through the promotion of diversity and inclusion in higher education. Join the SLPA mailing list.

LGBTQ+ Postdoc Group

Join the LGBTQ+ mailing list and check out the programming calendar for information about events and group-related resources and activities for members. In addition, other resources at Stanford that may be of interest include:

Trans Grads & Postdocs

A community of trans graduate students and postdocs, providing a space to connect. The group gathers for official events about once per month, and the email list connects members of the community. Join the Trans Grads & Postdocs mailing list. Contact: Callum Bobb.


Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (oSTEM@Stanford)

oSTEM@Stanford is part of the national student (and postdoc) society dedicated to increasing the participation and visibility of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) in disciplines related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Science and Engineering Graduate Women’s Association (SEGWA)

SEGWA is the umbrella organization for all graduate women in science and engineering at Stanford. SEGWA promotes interdisciplinary communication and collaboration between women and women's organizations for increased efficiency and impact of organizational efforts. Stanford students have formed women's groups in many science and engineering departments, sponsoring a variety of community resources including seminars, mentor programs, and social events. SEGWA strives to help individual students and groups publicize and secure funding for events, start new events and groups, and advocate for academic and student life initiatives. Groups affiliated with SEGWA are:

  • Stanford Chemistry Women’s Committee on Graduate Life;
  • Women in Computer Science at Stanford University;
  • Stanford Society of Women Engineers;
  • Women in Electrical Engineering;
  • Mechanical Engineering Women’s Group.
  • Academic Careers in Europe (ACE) [ACE hosts events highlighting the academic job search process in Europe. Join their mailing list and LinkedIn group for more info.]

Postdoc Groups Outside of Stanford University

American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Postdoctorate Leaders Section is part of the group on 'Graduate Research Education and Training' (GREAT). The Postdoctorate Section focuses on policy issues related to postdoctoral education in the biosciences, to enhance the quality of postdoctoral research training and professional development by providing a forum for faculty members and administrative officials responsible for postdoctoral matters at LCME-accredited medical schools and teaching hospitals.