Beyond your primary research, specialized training can bridge the gap between bench science and a successful career in academia, industry, or administration. These curated campus and regional programs offer high-impact credentials and hands-on experience in high-demand areas like business, regulatory affairs, and computational biology to help you build a competitive professional edge.

Training Opportunities for UNC Postdocs

Postdoc Upskilling in Laboratory & Specialized Expertise (PULSE) This initiative connects postdoctoral scholars with UNC’s Core Facilities through short-term, project-based professional development experiences.

UNC Industry Skills Series Offered by UNC OPA and TIBBS, this series provides postdocs and graduate students with workshops, panels, and networking opportunities to explore industry careers, develop transferable skills, and connect with industry professionals and alumni.

UNC Certificate in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Gain essential quantitative skills through this curriculum designed to integrate biological research with advanced computational analysis and data science.

UNC Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals Developed in partnership with the business school, this program introduces postdocs to core business concepts including finance, marketing, and management to prepare for industry leadership.

UNC Seeding Postdoctoral Innovators in Research and Education (SPIRE) This fellowship provides multi-dimensional professional development, combining hands-on research with formal pedagogical training to prepare scholars for successful academic careers.

UNC Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) Internships & Fellowships These experiential programs offer direct exposure to the technology transfer process, including patenting, market analysis, and the commercialization of university-based innovations.

UNC Clinical Molecular Genetics Fellowship Program This specialized training prepares doctoral-level scientists for careers in clinical laboratory genetics, focusing on the diagnosis of genetic disorders and laboratory management.

UNC TraCS Postdoctoral Training Program in Translation (MOTRD UP) Mechanisms of Translation, Realizing Discovery and Understanding the Pipeline (MOTRD UP) is a postdoctoral training program funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences through the NC TraCS Institute, providing researchers with the tools and mentorship needed to bridge the gap between basic discovery and clinical application.

NIH Office of Technology Transfer Fellowship Program Participants learn the legal and business aspects of biomedical research by managing invention portfolios and negotiating licensing agreements within the NIH infrastructure.

Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) Certificate Programs These internationally recognized certifications provide specialized knowledge in the laws and regulations governing the development of healthcare products and medical devices.

Regulatory Affairs Training Program at Duke University This regional program offers a practical foundation in the regulatory requirements for drugs, biologics, and devices to support careers in quality assurance and clinical affairs.

Explore a Career in Medical Writing (UNC Charlotte) Designed for scientists transitioning into communication roles, this intensive course focuses on the standards and techniques required for professional medical and regulatory writing.