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For Postdocs

  • postdoc at a microscope

  • The Postdoc and Graduate Student Affairs Office (PGSAO) promotes the educational and career growth of more than 600 postdoctoral fellows and graduate students at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). The PGSAO helps to expand on laboratory-based research training by offering a welcoming, supportive environment and a variety of services for enhancing professional development.

    The PGSAO supports postdocs by:

    • Providing symposia, seminars, a retreat, and editing services so postdocs can:
      • Establish a career plan and meet their goals.
      • Successfully compete for extramural fellowships and educational grants.
      • Enhance their writing skills for successful manuscript and journal article publication.
      • Learn the skills necessary to transition from training to a long-term career, such as networking, resume preparation, interviewing and negotiation.

    • Offering a guidebook that covers frequently asked questions at Dana-Farber.
    • Working with Dana-Farber Human Resources to maintain minimum salary standards and benefits.

    Resources and services

    The PGSAO offers the following to postdocs and graduate students at Dana-Farber:

    Workshops and seminars for professional development, including:

    • Manuscript Writing
    • Transitioning to Independence
    • Networking events
    • Basics of Grant Writing
    • Identifying funding resources
    • CV Preparation and Interview Techniques
    • Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training

    On-boarding materials and assistance for finding accommodations and adjusting to life in Boston, creating a career development plan, and information about Dana-Farber's English as a Second Language Program (ESL).

    The PGSAO Lounge and Resource Center (Smith 347) has two computers, a printer, a TV with laptop connection, information about upcoming programs at Dana-Farber and the Longwood Medical Area, and a lending library with books and articles on career development. The lounge is a place to socialize, take a break, and enjoy a cup of coffee; free coffee and tea are provided for all postdocs and graduate students!

    One-on-one science editing services for documents, including:

    • Grant applications
    • Fellowship applications
    • Scientific manuscripts
    • Cover letters, curriculum vitae, and resumes

    Confidential consultation and guidance for conflict resolution

    Contact Us

    General inquiries should be directed to DFCI_PGSAO@dfci.harvard.edu.
    Our office is located on the Dana-Farber main campus in the Smith Building, 3rd floor, Room 347.

  • Irene Ghobrial, MD, lab team members

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