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Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Welcome from the Dean and Vice Provost

Sarah Ades Headshot

Welcome to The University of Texas at Austin—one of the top universities in the world and a leader in postdoctoral research, scholarship and education. The more than 700 postdoctoral scholars, fellows and researchers across campus are vital contributors to the mission of the University. As a postdoc at UT Austin, you drive innovation by bringing new techniques, ideas and solutions through your research and by partnering with local communities, government and industry. You also advance the University’s teaching mission by working closely with undergraduate and graduate students and serving as team leaders and mentors.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is here to support you during your time on campus. We provide key resources and information on policies and benefits to help you succeed, including career and professional development programming to enhance your research and career goals. We also advocate for the needs of postdocs in campus discussions and work with other offices to ensure you have access to the resources you need.

Additionally, our office seeks to build community among postdocs and with the larger University. We disseminate university-wide communications with postdocs—including information on policies, resources and events—and support the UT Postdoc Association to help build collaboration and community. 

We look forward to supporting you during your time at UT Austin and beyond and helping to make the University a top destination for postdoctoral researchers, scholars and fellows.

Sincerely,

Sarah Ades, Ph.D.
Dean of the Graduate School
Senior Vice Provost for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
The University of Texas at Austin

What is a postdoctoral scholar? Who do we serve? 

Scholar working in lab

A postdoctoral scholar is an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue their selected career path (NIH/NSF 2007). Although other terms have been used to refer to postdocs (i.e. trainee), this is the preferred definition emerging nationally. 

We believe that postdocs are essential members of our university as they contribute to the dynamic and rapid influx of highly skilled talent, trust our positioning as a top university to launch their careers and represent future thought leaders that can empower our society with important societal roles.

Postdocs are supervised by a faculty member (PI) and have the freedom to conduct and publish the results of their research, scholarship or creative endeavors during the period of appointment. Scholars may be internally funded, paid through their PIs grant, or they may be externally funded, paid by a source external to the university (e.g., NSF, NIH, government grants, etc). Regardless of the source of funding, all postdocs at UT Austin will be served by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Events for Postdocs

Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday October 15, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Recurs: Weekly on Tuesday, 11am - 12pm until Tue, Dec 3 2024
Virtual
Unpacking Weight Stigma for Larger Bodies is a counseling group held by the Employee Assistance Program. Weight stigma describes the negative biases, attitudes, and behavior towards people based on their weight and size. This stigma is held up by social expectations that tell us how we should eat and look, and that we will be accepted if our bodies look a certain way. This stigma impacts both the physical and mental health of people with larger bodies. In this group, we will meet weekly for a brief introduction on a particular dynamic of weight stigma, and then group members can explore how the topic shows up in their lives and impacts them. Members can receive support from others who understand their experiences and can gain new perspective and tools. This is a virtual group that meets Tuesdays from 11 am-12 pm from 10/15/24-12/3/24. A pre-group interview is required to join the group. Those interested in joining should email [email protected] to schedule a pre-group meeting with the facilitator to learn more. Email [email protected] to schedule your meeting.
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday October 16, 2024, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Perry-Castañeda Library
The PCL Fall Plant Sale is Wednesday, October 16, from 8 am-1 pm (or until they're gone)! 🪴 Stop by the Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL) Plaza and pick up some plants for your home, office, or dorm. It's a budget-friendly way to boost your mood and oxygen levels. Cash or Venmo only. All proceeds go to the Central Texas Food Bank.
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday October 16, 2024, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Show yourself in the best light – what to expect in an interview for a tenure-track position
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday October 16, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Recurs: Weekly on Wednesday, 12 - 1pm until Wed, Dec 11 2024
Virtual
This event is hosted by the Disability Cultural Center. Join us this fall on Zoom for Accessible Pedagogy Conversations. This informal, peer-directed space is open to all instructors who hope to share questions, strategies and recommendations regarding accommodations and inclusion in learning environments. With the support of Center for Teaching and Learning DCC, and Disability and Access staff members, we will explore new topics each week to enhance accessibility for all. We hope to see you there!
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday October 16, 2024, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Recurs: Weekly on Wednesday, 3 - 4pm until Wed, Nov 20 2024
SSB 3.200K or Virtual
Join the Disability Cultural Center in discussion around a variety of disability-related topics each week. Whether you want to learn from other disabled people or have experiences or resources you are willing to share, these Disability Discussions provide space to have conversations you may not be able to have anywhere else. Let’s harness the power and expertise of the UT disability community!
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday October 16, 2024, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Benson Latin American Collection
LLILAS Benson proudly presents the Honorable Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile, who will deliver an address titled "Women's Leadership and Gender Equality in the Americas." Dr. Bachelet's address will be followed by a conversation with Dean JR DeShazo, LBJ School of Public Affairs. This event is sponsored by the Mary Ann Faulkner Distinguished Lecture Series in Latin American Public Affairs and Politics. Dr. Michelle Bachelet is a Chilean politician and physician who made history as the first female president of Chile, serving two non-consecutive terms, from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018. Born in Santiago in 1951, Bachelet experienced political upheaval early in life when her father, an air force general, was arrested and died in prison following the 1973 military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. Bachelet and her mother were also detained and later exiled, living in Australia and East Germany. Bachelet studied medicine and later specialized in pediatrics and public health. She returned to Chile in the 1980s, becoming involved in politics as democracy was restored. She served as Minister of Health and later as Minister of Defense, the first woman in Latin America to hold the latter position. As president, Bachelet focused on social reforms, including expanding social welfare programs, improving education, and promoting gender equality. After her presidency, she was appointed as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2018, where she worked until 2022, focusing on global human rights issues. Throughout her career, Bachelet has been a symbol of resilience and dedication to democracy, social justice, and human rights. The lecture is free and open to the public. Space is limited, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Paloma Díaz. Honorable Michelle Bachelet
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