Postdoc Experience By Charlotte Vanacker Postdoctoral Fellow, Molecular & Integrative Physiology
I
t has been more than 3 years since I first set foot in the US, here in Ann Arbor, to start working as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Molecular & Integrative
Physiology (MIP). While joining the research team of Sue Moenter, I rapidly realized that I was integrating into a much bigger entity: the physiology community. Our department brings together experts, leaders and trainees of very diverse scientific backgrounds. The constant interaction among teams occurring through our monthly MIP seminars, celebratory luncheons, barbecues, and numerous events helps establish strong connections among members and offers a collegial and scientifically rich environment, in which to develop as a young scientist. MIP recognizes the importance of helping trainees access the tools to build a strong foundation that will allow us to move our careers forward. MIP is particularly supportive of postdocs
Postdocs are also invited to meet with every invited speaker,
in this regard at every step of the postdoctoral journey.
encouraging communication, interaction and networking.
One of the most valuable opportunities I have had has
The environment for postdocs within MIP offers a combination
been volunteering as an instructor for the PHYSIOLOGY
of research excellence and career-building that supports
415 (Laboratory Techniques in Biomedical Research) class
trainee development regardless of career path. It is partly
for Master’s degree and undergraduate students. This
through MIP that I discovered ways in which my skills and
successful experience was set up four years ago by Yatrik
interests extend beyond my ability to conduct scientific
Shah and Nupur Das and provides an opportunity for every
research. I am actively advocating for postdocs by being part
postdoc to participate in designing and teaching lectures and
of the University of Michigan Postdoctoral Association and it
lab courses. I am particularly happy to participate for the
is one of my aims to promote collaboration among postdocs
third time to this course that is updated annually to fit the
in MIP and beyond. I encourage postdocs to join us during
area of expertise of the new instructors. MIP also provides
our newly established monthly Physiology Postdoc Coffee
unique opportunities to participate in outreach activities, for
hour, which will be soon accompanied by a “Postdoc Corner”
example in the Science Education and Engagement for Kids
that will allow us to practice talks, prepare for interviews and
program that introduces science through hands-on activities
provide general peer support. Being a postdoc in MIP helped
in local elementary schools. Importantly, the postdocs and
me understand what I want to become. Is the destination
research investigators of the MIP are represented by our
more important than the journey? A postdoc is a transitional
Physiology Postdoctoral Association, which supports career
and training position and it is crucial to make the best of this
development
by
experience. It is my wish to see an increase in the involvement
postdocs and by inviting faculty to talk about career options
by
organizing
monthly
presentations
in our postdoc community. I want to take advantage of this
including typical academic path and other career paths, like
note to thank the people of our department that makes this
biotechnology, government, pharmaceutical industry and
journey possible, especially Michele Boggs, Angie Tucker,
entrepreneurship. Postdocs that are closer to searching
Rachel Anderson, Heather MacFarland, Sarah Lawson, Lori
for jobs can find unique opportunities by participating in
Meggit, Yatrik Shah, and the whole MIP administrative office
recruitment seminars and chalk talks organized by the
for brainstorming ideas and organizing the MIP life.
department during interviews. This is particularly useful to help us to prepare for this step of our career. Students and
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Physiology Matters
