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Career Resources for Postdoctoral Researchers

We're Committed to Your Career Success!

As the central hub of career development support for postdocs, the Office of Postdoctoral Advancement helps postdocs navigate Rutgers by providing information through monthly Welcome & Information Sessions and referrals to campus representatives and relevant institutional contacts across the university. We host career development workshops and other activities open to all postdocs in partnership with other units and programs across the university. Some previous topics covered include management skills, grant writing, science communication, faculty job, mentoring, and self-advocacy. We encourage postdocs to take advantage of the many professional development opportunities offered within and outside of Rutgers.

While you are here, be sure to:

  • Participate in our activities and workshops
  • Explore the various career development programs and resources within and outside of Rutgers.

Check the Upcoming Events Calendar

Navigate Your Postdoc Journey Following These Best Practices

Be Proactive & Intentional

Be the driver of your career. Get acquainted with what is needed to be successful as a postdoc and career-ready. Engage in activities that not only enrich your research training but also your professional development.

Actively manage your career from day one.

Time Management

Time management & prioritization are essential to stay on track with your goals and make progress. Stay focused.

Use career management tools to stay on track with your goals, such as Individual Development Plans, and Setting SMART Goals.

Clear Communication & Expectations

Maintain open and clear communication with your mentors and co-workers. Make sure you know what is expected of you. Clear Expectations works both way.

Support

Have a support network for guidance.
Identify areas or skills you need help with or to improve and seek a wider range of support, for example from your peers, colleagues, or other faculty members to develop a Mosaic of Mentors map

Professional Development

Make the time for professional development. Remember, becoming a subject expert in your field is not enough to succeed in your career.

Get familiarized with the NPA core competencies and seek opportunities to further improve on them.

Wellness

Find time for self-care and for things you enjoy outside of work. Remember you can not do well if you do not feel well.

Take advantage of Wellness & Mental Health resources available to you.

Internal Career Resources

In addition to the office's monthly activities and workshops, you should know about the career development programs and resources available within Rutgers.

internal career resources

External Career Resources

If you don't know about these resources yet, please take the time to get to know them. They provide important opportunities that help you develop your skills and expand your professional network. 

external career resources

Institutional Memberships

Postdocs can take advantage of the following institutional memberships in order to advance their career and personal development:

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