Postdoctoral Mentoring
Career development and professional growth through training, mentoring and networking opportunities
UPLIFT (UTD Postdoctoral Learning, Innovation and Future Training)
The UPLIFT Program was developed to offer workshops and activities that address the National Postdoctoral Association’s (NPA) Core Competencies.
UPLIFT Timeline of Events
Read latest news about UTD Postdocs
Postdoc Leaders Gather Ideas at National Conference
Members of the UTDPDA leadership team joined Dr. Francesca Filbey at the largest gathering dedicated to the postdoc community.
Increased Support Aims to Attract, Nurture Postdocs
Dr. Evan Smith and Dr. Chris Brewer led the UT Dallas contingent at UT System’s Postdoctoral Research Symposium 2024.
Postdoctoral Teaching Certificate
The Postdoctoral Teaching Certificate will improve instructional performance and encourage the use of evidence-based best practices in instruction, enhancing employment prospects by developing professional skills and strategies related to teaching.
UTD Postdoctoral Association
Be a member of the UTD Postdoctoral Association and join the community of postdoctoral scholars and researchers.
Leadership:
- President/Director of External Affairs – Dr. Marco Pipoly
- President/Director of Internal Affairs – Dr. Jessica Kraft
- Treasurer – Dr. Christopher Brewer
- Administrative Coordinator – Dr. Ovidio Rodriguez Lopez
Information Session
Attend an introduction to the UT Dallas Postdoctoral Mentoring Program aimed to support postdoctoral scholars in their professional development and career planning.
- See an overview and detailed insights (pdf)
- Watch our most recent video recording
- Upcoming session: October 30, 2025
Job Talks: Open Mic Series
Calling all UT Dallas postdoctoral scholars! Share your research, refine your presentation skills and gain insights by joining the Job Talks: Open Mic Series. This is your chance to practice delivering compelling job talks in a supportive and feedback-rich environment. Whether you are on the market or preparing early, learn to amplify your voice and strengthen your academic presence!
Resources for Postdocs
Research
Laboratory Skills: Advanced laboratory techniques and experimental design.
- Obtain research training and certification
- Refer to list of UTD research facilities
- Get support from UT Dallas Office of Research and Innovation
Grant Writing: Planning, organizing, and managing research projects, including budgeting and resource allocation. Writing competitive grant proposals to secure funding.
- Check out the Office of Research and Innovation’s suggested timeline for grant submissions
- Be aware of the grant award process
- Utilize grant proposal writing resources
- Join UT Dallas’ Grant Writing Certification Program (video)
Communication
Scientific Writing: Writing research papers, reviews and book chapters for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Take advantage of UT Dallas’ Graduate Writing Services open to all postdocs
- Get one-on-one help from a UTD Faculty Grant and Distinguished Fellowships Advisor
Presentation: Delivering clear and engaging presentations at conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Public Engagement: Communicating science to the public through various media and outreach activities.
Teaching and Mentoring
Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, mentoring students and supervising junior researchers.
- Check out resources from the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning
- Refer to NPA’s Postdoc’s Guide to Mentorship
Professional
Networking and Collaboration: Building and maintaining professional relationships within and outside your field. Working effectively with interdisciplinary and international teams.
- Read the guide or view the video on how to network
- How to get your professional headshot at UT Dallas
- Join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Join the National Research Mentoring Network
Time Management: Prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and balancing multiple projects.
Career Development
Career Planning: Setting goals, exploring options and developing a career trajectory.
- Use the UT Dallas Career Center Resources & Tools
- Create an Individual Development Plan
- Refer to NPA’s resources:
Job Application Skills: Preparing CVs, cover letters and job applications and performing well in interviews.
- View the Quick Guide to CVs
- Watch how-to’s from UT Dallas’ Career Services on:
- Read how to prepare for an interview
- Review quick tips on successful interviewing
Negotiation Skills: Negotiating job offers, salaries and other professional opportunities.
- Tips from the Jindal School of Management on how to negotiate your salary (includes salary resources)
- Watch recommendations on job offers and negotiations from UT Dallas’ Career Services
Wellness
Understanding how to make the most of your time as a postdoc.
- Know the 10 Habits for a Successful Postdoc
- Understand your UT Dallas Employee Benefits
- Refer to NPA’s resources on: