A postdoctoral researcher is an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or the foreign equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced training to enhance the professional and research independence needed to pursue their chosen career path. At the PME, the postdoctoral experience emphasizes scholarship and continued research training under the general oversight of a faculty mentor in preparation for a career in academia, industry, government, or the nonprofit sector.
Within the context of our broader mission, the PME aims both to enrich the experience of all postdoctoral researchers throughout their appointment in our laboratories and to advance their success within our research community and beyond. We strive for broad postdoctoral representation and participation across age, gender, race, nationality, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability and disability, religion, belief, and backgrounds.
Delivery of PME postdoctoral resources and support is coordinated by PME Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Director Vipul Sharma and Senior Associate Dean Rovana Popoff in partnership with PME Director of Career Development Briana Konnick and PME Assistant Dean for Education & Outreach Laura Rico-Beck, along with offices across the University of Chicago campus. The PME offers quarterly postdoc orientation sessions, shares relevant resources and support on this website and in email bulletins, and provides organizational support and funding for the PME Postdoctoral Association.
The PME Office of Human Resources manages PME postdoctoral appointment, compensation, and benefits. The office works closely with other administrative units on campus such as the Office of the Provost, Staff Benefits, and the Payroll Office to provide timely information and support relevant to PME human resource management.
If you have any questions about PME Postdoctoral Training, please contact PME Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Director Vipul Sharma.
Resources for postdoctoral researchers
- Postdoc Resources & Tools (Postdoc Handbook, Ethics training information, Postdoc Roadmap, Progress Assessment form)
- Benefits, Health, and Wellness
- Ombudsperson Support
- International Postdoctoral Researchers
- Career and Professional Development
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Postdoctoral Parents
- Hyde Park Community
- Leaving UChicago/PME & Alumni
- PME Postdoctoral Association
- PME Postdoctoral Travel Award