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 develoment 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 posdocs and graduate students!
One-on-one science editing services for documents, including:
- Grant applications
- Fellowship applications
- Scientific manuscripts
- Cover letters, curriculum vitae, and resumés
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.