The Office of Postdoctoral and Research Scholar Affairs (OPRSA) is the central office that oversees postdoctoral scholars, visiting scholar & PI Exception programs, and serves as the academic personnel Dean’s/VC office for general campus Organized Research Units at UC San Diego. We strive to develop programs that enhance the advancement and experience of researchers at UC San Diego while supporting and maintaining a diverse and inclusive research community.
jbourque@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-6632
Job Duties: Jenn oversees the campus wide Postdoctoral and Research Scholar Affairs office. She serves as executive advisor to Research Affairs leadership, develops and implements policies, procedures and strategic goals, supervises unit staff and functions, represents UCSD on the UC wide committees and workgroups, and is engaged in various aspects of campus administration that impacts Postdoctoral Scholars, Visiting Scholars, and Academic Researchers.
Profile: Jenn is a proud UC San Diego Triton! She graduated with a degree in Political Science and a passion to help others. Upon graduation she was offered an exciting opportunity to work at UC San Diego and has never looked back. In 2005 she established the Postdoctoral Scholar Office, centralized business processes and launched the professional develop program. In 2011/12 she received the UCSD Exemplary Staff Employee of the Year award and in 2012 the Partners in International Education award. Jenn is committed to supporting UC San Diego's research enterprise, educational mission, and fostering it's diverse community.
Fun Fact: Jenn enjoys traveling and outdoor adventures, especially to U.S. National Parks. She backpacked in Denali (Alaska), hiked the volcano in Haleakala (Hawaii), skied (both downhill and cross country) in Yosemite (California), and snowmobiled in Grand Teton (Wyoming).
cwdavis@ucsd.edu, (858) 822-7510
Job Duties: Cory serves as the Academic Personnel Analyst for academic researchers within the VCR Organized Research Units and provides support for research scholars. She also reviews PI exception requests and provides institutional coordination for training grants.
Profile: Cory earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from The University of Texas at Austin and her Master's in International Studies from the University of San Francisco. She is a proud alumna of UC San Diego’s Sixth College.
Fun Fact: In her free time, Cory loves to travel and practice yoga.
hadillon@ucsd.edu, (858) 822-5915
Job Duties: Heather oversees the EPIC Postdoc Professional Development Program and develops, coordinates, and presents workshops to meet the training and career development needs of the UC San Diego postdoctoral community. She also manages the Postdoc Dependent Care Travel Grant program and coordinates the annual Chancellor’s Awards program. Heather serves as an ex-officio member and advisor to the UC San Diego Postdoctoral Association Board and as an ex-officio member of the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women. She further collaborates with partners across UC San Diego and within the greater community to facilitate high-impact professional development programs for PhDs and Postdocs.
Profile: Heather graduated with Highest Honors from the University of California, Davis with a degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and has a Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from Dartmouth College. She is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and MBTI® Certified Practitioner. With over a decade of experience in recruitment and advising, Heather has assisted hundreds of graduate students and postdocs with their job searches and application materials. She celebrates the diverse experiences and aspirations of each trainee and strives to help individuals share their unique perspectives and talents while crafting their personal career journey. Heather is devoted to helping trainees succeed in their chosen professions by providing career guidance and advice through seminars, workshops, and individual meetings.
Fun Fact: Heather enjoys traveling and has visited 49 of the 50 states in the U.S. (including 35 National Parks) and 15 countries around the world.
jrsalomon@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-3553
Job Duties: Jennie Salomon manages the campus wide postdoctoral and visiting scholar administration operation. Jennie reviews and analyzes postdoctoral and visiting scholar appointments, reappointments, leaves and exception requests. She is the campus liaison with the Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan insurance brokers, co-leads the monthly New Postdoctoral Scholar Orientation and manages the Health and Wellness programs. Jennie also ensures compliance to the UC-UAW Collective Bargaining Agreement and UC policies.
Profile: Jennie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Policy Studies from Syracuse University, Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College in the City of New York. Jennie worked as a hospital social worker in New York City before moving to San Diego and changing career paths to a human resource and higher education administration focus. She joined UC San Diego in 2016 in the Department of Nanoengineering as the department HR contact before joining the Office of Postdoctoral and Research Scholar Affairs in 2019.
Fun Fact: Jennie and her husband decided to venture west to San Diego from New York after a snowstorm left almost six feet of snow outside their apartment.
Job Duties: Sally assists with various tasks and duties in the Office of Postdoctoral and Research Scholar Affairs.
Profile: Sally is currently a second-year undergrad majoring in Computer Science at UC San Diego. She is a part of Warren College.
Fun Fact: Sally enjoys going on hikes and road trips.