Post written by Sandra Bonne-Année, former postdoc at NIAID and current detailee at OITE.
If definitions like ‘an individual fact or item, a minor decorative feature, or a meticulous cleaning of a motor vehicle’ come to mind when you hear the word “detail”, you are certainly not alone. As a postdoctoral fellow at NIH, I had a vague understanding of what a detail was and no real understanding of when or how to secure one.
Submitted By: Amanda Dumsch
Submitted By: John Taborn
Post Doc Alumna: Anu Nagarajan, PhD
Industry Position: Senior Scientist
The OITE interviewed a NIH postdoctoral alumna who successfully landed a position in industry. She shares her career exploration process, job search strategies, and knowledge that she gained about her employability as a professional scientist.
OITE: Tell me the story about how you began to search for career options as post doc.
Submitted By: John Taborn
One of the most important criteria to consider during the job, graduate school, or Postdoc search is to learn about the culture of the place where you are applying. This means to gather information about the employee’s opinions of the work environment, the support and benefits that they receive, and the values that drive the organization. This is important because you will work and /or study in this environment for many years and you want to find a good fit for your interests and personal style. But how do you assess this when you are applying?
Submitted By: John Taborn
One of the most challenging questions that developing scientists must answer is, “Should I pursue an academic or industry career?” For some, the pursuit of an academic career is their path of choice.
Submitted By: Amanda Dumsch
Job Title & Organization: Associate Research Project Manager, MedImmune
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
How long you’ve been in your current job: 8 months
Postdoc Advisor, IC (when at NIH): Dr. Ligia Pinto
Submitted By: Amanda Dumsch
This Friday, May 15th is the 8th Annual NIH Career Symposium. Be sure to register in advance. Why should you come though? Well, it only happens once a year and it is an action-packed day! You can choose to come for the full day or only the sessions of interest to you. There will be panels, skills blitzes, a LinkedIn Photo-Booth, and the opportunity to network with speakers and peers alike.
Submitted By: Amanda Dumsch
“Good luck and be sure to keep in touch!” This is a phrase we have all said and heard. How many of us actually take the time to do it? After all, we are busy and have things to do. However, failing to maintain your relationships with your current or past university professors and program administrators can limit your career growth. Whether you are a postbac, a graduate student or a postdoc, maintaining a network with your alma mater is essential for many reasons.
- Letters of Recommendation – You will, at some point, need letters of recommendation.
Submitted By: Amanda Dumsch
Name: Amir Zeituni, PhD
Job Title & Organization: Senior Scientist, Global Science & Technology
Location: NASA HQ
How long you’ve been in your current job: Since July 2013
Postdoc Advisor, IC (when at NIH): Dr. Carole Long
Submitted By: Amanda Dumsch
For better or worse, LinkedIn has become the new résumé and whether you like it or not, you are being searched online. Generally, only the top four or five results are being reviewed, so it is imperative that you use your LinkedIn profile to optimize your online presence and control your professional branding.
Not on LinkedIn? Well, your lack of a presence says something too, especially with 60 million users in the United States.
Submitted By: Amanda Dumsch
Name: Lillian Kuo, PhD
Job Title & Company: Scientific Program Analyst, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
Location: Bethesda, MD
How long you’ve been in your current job: A little over a year.
Postdoc Advisor, IC: Eric O. Freed, NCI
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