Essential Training

This 4-part professional development event is designed for postdoctoral scholars at the beginning of their training to help them make the most of their postdoc experience and establish a foundation for their future career success.  

Session 1: Understanding Yourself

• Identify role and responsibilities of being a postdoc    
• Communicate research with a clear and concise message
• Assess personality type and distinguish those of others

Session 2: Evaluating Your Abilities

• Clarify skills, interests, values and career preferences  
• Understand strengths and how to use them effectively  
• Identify and address training and professional development needs

Session 3: Managing People and Projects

• Recognize and interrupt implicit bias
• Develop and utilize strategies to communicate effectively
• Create and assess structured short and long term goals

Session 4: Developing Your Plan

• Utilize networking for career planning and preparation  
• Determine a course of action for a successful postdoctoral experience  
• Evaluate action plan with peers and mentors

For more information, dates, and how to register: EPIC Bootcamp

Postdoctoral scholars are strongly encouraged to complete the certification as part of their research training and education.

For more information, events, dates, and how to register: Ethical Challenges of Research

The Office of Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs offers a New Postdoc Orientation on the second Thursday of every month.

It is strongly recommended that all postdocs attend the workshop within the first two months of their initial postdoc appointment at UC San Diego so they become familiar with the guidelines and policy that impact their appointment.

The orientation will cover topics such as benefits, leave policy, research compliance training, professional development planning and opportunities, and resources available to postdocs.  You’ll meet some members of the Postdoc Association (PDA).  And lastly, the UAW, the union that represents postdocs will share information about union membership.

State law prohibit posting of the exact schedule on this public website, so if you are a new postdoc, please refer to your offer letter, contact your department administrator or sign into the UC Learning Center (LMS) for information on date, location and time.

For information, please visit New Postdoc Orientation.

Postdoc Individual Development Plan

Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a tool to identify skills, knowledge, and interests; outline career goals; and manage an individual’s career development progress.

For assistance on creating your IDP, assessing your skills, working with mentors and setting realistic and achievable goals, attend the EPIC Bootcamp.  Each postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to develop and present his/her IDP to faculty participants for feedback and by the end of the session have the foundation of an IDP to guide his/her career objectives.

For one-one assistance in the creation of your IDP, you may request a career advising appointment.

For more information, please visit Individual Development Plan.