Research

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.