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Society of Toxicology Postdoctoral Assembly: Expanding Leadership, Scientific, and Career Resources for Members
Citation:
Gibbs-Flournoy, E., G. Knudsen, S. Snow, K. Sant, D. Spade, AND T. Wu. Society of Toxicology Postdoctoral Assembly: Expanding Leadership, Scientific, and Career Resources for Members. National Postdoctoral Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, March 17 - 19, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
The Society of Toxicology (SOT) established the Postdoctoral Assembly (PDA) to identify and meet the needs of postdoctoral scholars, establish communication, and form collaborations within the SOT members. I will attend the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) national meeting to represent the SOT PDA since I am the current Vice-Chair and upcoming Chair.
Description:
The Society of Toxicology (SOT) established the Postdoctoral Assembly (PDA) to identify and meet the needs of postdoctoral scholars, establish communication, and form collaborations within the SOT members. The PDA currently has representatives on key SOT committees and component groups, providing many leadership opportunities. The PDA serves postdoctoral scholars throughout the year via a variety of programs and events. To best assess the needs of the PDA, annual surveys are conducted and any identified needs are specifically addressed. Programs hosted by the PDA meet the challenge of a geographically diverse membership through several key activities including webinars, a celebration of National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week with congratulatory messages to postdocs from SOT leadership, and blog entries on aspects of the postdoc experience. This year's webinar was entitled “The Dos and Don’ts of Landing Your First Job,” and provided tips and strategies from experts from different sectors (Academia, Government, and Industry) on ways to help land your first permanent position. SOT’s Annual Meeting provides abundant opportunities for postdocs to network and enhance their knowledge and skills. The PDA hosts several educational and professional development activities including Trainee Sessions with Plenary Speakers, Poster Tours for Trainees, a scientific symposium with student and postdoc research presentations, and a career development symposium. During the Annual Meeting, the PDA Luncheon provides an excellent platform for networking. Additionally, it also allows us to recognize postdoctoral scholars receiving awards throughout the Society, as well as present the PDA’s own selections for the Best Postdoctoral Publications Award. The SOT PDA provides a rich environment where SOT postdocs can develop leadership experience while enhancing their scientific expertise and career skills.