Postdoctoral Education

Currently the Department of Biological Chemistry has nearly 20 postdoctoral trainees from all over the world conducting research in the department. Postdoctoral trainees bring diversity, new ways of thinking and new technologies to the research laboratories in which they train. They also play an important role in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in faculty labs. In order to foster their professional development, we encourage them to take advantage of opportunities for their academic, professional and career growth such as mentoring students, research presentations, manuscript writing, attending recruitment “chalk talks”, networking and grant writing. Postdoctoral fellows play a vital role in supporting UCI’s research mission and we value their contributions. The UCI's Graduate Division - Office of Postdoctoral Affairs caters to the specific training and personal needs of the postdoctoral scholars on UCI campus. Our goal in providing training opportunities to postdoctoral scholars is to help them develop into scientists who can go on to lead in biomedical research or others endeavors critical to the goal of fulfilling the nations’ scientific goals and ambitions.

The UC Irvine Post-Doctoral Association (PDA) is committed to building a vibrant postdoctoral community at UC Irvine. Its purpose is to enhance the professional development and experience of the university's nearly 400 postdoctoral researchers.

Quarterly workshops and seminars include such topics as:

• Writing a cover letter and CV
• Interviewing with confidence
• Writing grants and publishing your work
• Dealing with stress

The PDA also hosts a variety of social events for postdocs to get together, share knowledge and enhance their experiences outside the lab.

The UC Irvine School of Medicine offers several financial support opportunities for postdoctoral scholars.

They include:

• Travel Support: Postdoctoral scholars in the School of Medicine are eligible to apply for Postdoctoral Travel Support to help with the travel costs associated with attending a conference related to their research or for professional development opportunities.
• Fellowship Incentives: Postdoctoral scholars are eligible to apply for Individual Fellowship Incentives, including:
  • Postdoctoral scholars who submit an individual fellowship application can apply for a $250 research award from the School of Medicine Office of Graduate Studies.
  • Postdoctoral scholars who apply for and receive a K Award from the National Institutes of Health can apply for a $1,000 research award from the School of Medicine Office of Graduate Studies.