Career and Professional Development Resources for Postdocs
General
These organizations provide a variety of support and resources for postdocs.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): Global nonprofit organization that advances science through research publishing, science policy, education, career development, and public engagement initiatives that support scientists at all career stages.
National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD): Professional development and mentoring organization that helps postdocs build productive, balanced, and successful academic careers through training, coaching, and community support.
National Postdoctoral Association: Nonprofit organization that advocates for postdoctoral scholars and supports their professional growth through career development resources, training, networking, and community-building opportunities.
NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE): Career development, training, mentoring, and professional skills resources for postdocs and early-career researchers pursuing careers in biomedical and behavioral science.
Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences (PNAS): Workshops, publishing guidance, and professional development opportunities that help early-career scientists navigate scholarly publishing, engage in peer review, and build their research careers.
SPHERE Community: Cross-institutional network focused on supporting postdocs in non-biomedical disciplines by connecting researchers with peer communities, resources, and professional development opportunities across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
Edge for Scholars: Vanderbilt University Medical Center platform that offers resources, community support, and tools to help researchers and scholars advance their academic careers and navigate challenges in research and professional development.
Career Planning
Career planning tools and resources to help you figure out what direction you’d like your career to go next.
Imagine PhD: Free career exploration and planning platform that helps humanities and social sciences postdocs assess their skills, explore career options, and develop personalized professional development plans.
myIDP by Science Careers: Free online career-planning tool for postdocs that helps users assess their skills, interests, and values, explore scientific career paths, and create actionable professional development goals.
Mentorship and Networking
These organizations help you build important connections.
International Mentoring Association (IMA): Global organization dedicated to advancing mentoring practices across various fields by providing resources, training, and networking opportunities to support effective mentoring relationships.
Mentorship in STEMM from the National Academies: Evidence-based resources, tools, and strategies to foster effective mentorship in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) fields.
New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS): Global nonprofit organization that advances scientific research, education, policy, and professional development by connecting scientists, students, and industry leaders through programs, events, publications, and career resources.
Advancing the Science and Practice of Mentorship: Fosters mentorship and the professional development of researchers by providing resources, tools, and collaborative opportunities to enhance translational science and advance research careers.