The Postdoc Office turns “2”
When the Postdoc Office was established two years ago, we had three goals: To establish communication, to provide professional development and to develop community among ASU postdocs.
It has been tremendously rewarding to see the friendships that have formed, the collaborations that have taken place and your appreciation.
For those of you who haven’t attended any of our events, come out and see us! We want to meet you and we encourage you to take advantage of what the office has to offer.
Stay tuned for more in 2020!
Here are some of the accomplishments and milestones we have achieved over the past two years:
January 2018 — The office hosted our first Social Mixer at Thirsty Lion in the Tempe Marketplace shopping plaza. About 30 postdocs gathered to meet the office staff and leadership and to socialize with other postdocs.
April 2018 — The office publishes the first issue of the Postdoc Press, a newsletter designed to build community and share professional development tips and accomplishments of postdocs at ASU.
June 2018 — Led by postdocs, the office helps organize the first Postdoc Research Blitz. The Blitz provided an opportunity for postdocs to present their research and to make a request for assistance. The purpose was to share a need that could be filled by another unit on campus. Several collaborations were formed as a result of this event.
September 2018 — The office hosts a series of events to celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week, which included social mixers at Polytechnic, Downtown and Tempe campus, the second Research Blitz and two Lunch & Learn professional development sessions.
May 2019 — ASU hosts the first Postdoctoral Career Conference, headlined by career consultant and National Postdoc Association board member Josh Henkin. Over 100 postdocs attended the event that featured career-related topics in academia, entrepreneurship and industry.
June 2019 — Led by the Postdoc Leadership Committee, the Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) is formed, establishing a leadership structure and voice for Postdocs across ASU campuses.
August 2019 — Led by postdoc Shalinee Kavadiya, the postdoc office coordinated the Faculty Job Application workshop series, which included seven Lunch & Learn workshops that covered CVs, cover letters, research statements and letters of recommendation.
August 2019 — The first New Postdoc Orientation took place, giving new postdocs who came to ASU over the summer the opportunity to learn more about ASU, ask HR related questions and become familiar with the Postdoc Office.
September 2019 — As part of National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the office partnered with the University of Arizona Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to present the first-ever Arizona Postdoctoral Research Conference. Fifteen postdocs gave research presentations and more than 30 poster-presenters participated.
December 2019 — The ECRN coordinated a Holiday Potluck event, where postdocs shared their favorite international holiday cuisines.