Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs within the Office of the Vice President for Research provides a venue for postdoctoral scholars and fellows to participate in events and professional development tailored to their needs and interests. Throughout the year, the office will provide monthly programming, advocacy, and community-bonding support.
Penn State Postdoctoral Society
The Penn State Postdoctoral Society’s mission is to enhance the postdoctoral experience at Penn State by providing resources to assist postdoctoral scholars and fellows in their professional and personal development. The society’s aim is to provide information and support for career advancement, finances, and family issues. The society also represents postdoctoral causes to the university administration. In addition, it facilitates social interactions among postdocs at Penn State with a goal of building a community where postdocs can benefit from an exchange of knowledge and experience.
Postdoctoral Fellowships Training Series
A series of workshops supported by the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, the Office of Foundation Relations, and the One Health Microbiome Center have been organized to assist postdoctoral scholars and advanced doctoral students in navigating the fellowship application process and strengthening their funding proposals.
The 2025 schedule includes three events, held in person at University Park and over zoom:
-
March 20: Fellowship Funding Landscape and Application Strategies, 2 to 4 P.M., 3rd Floor Commons Area of the Millennium Science Complex or via Zoom. This session provides an overview of postdoctoral fellowship opportunities, including federal and private funding options. Participants hear insights on the application process from an F32 awardee and a foundations specialist. View a video of the workshop here.
-
April 14: Deep Dive into the NIH F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship, 3rd Floor Commons Area of the Millennium Science Complex. Participants analyze real-world examples of NIH F32 postdoctoral fellowships and discuss application strategies, panel feedback and ways to strengthen their proposals. While tailored to the NIH F32, the knowledge and skills gained can transfer broadly to federal and private funding opportunities. Therefore, all students and postdocs are encouraged to attend. Register here.
-
April 29: Bring Your Own Fellowship — Peer Review and Strategy Session, times and mode TBD. In this interactive session, participants receive peer feedback on their draft proposals, refine their applications and explore additional funding opportunities. Registration opening soon!