OPA offers a variety of career-related seminars, panels, and professional development workshops throughout the year. Visit the OPA Calendar for a list of upcoming programs.

2023 National Postdoc Appreciation Week (Sept 18-22)

The UNC Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is pleased to announce the following programming for 2023 National Postdoc Appreciation Week.

Triangle Cross-Campus Social

Event: Triangle Cross-Campus Social
Date: Saturday, September 16th
Time: 3:30 – 6:00 pm
Where: Ritter Park (Rotary Shelter), 301 W Lochmere Dr, Cary, NC 27518.
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGZYTGm6NRqQvmlOVjNmjsO_9ggLZKQcGMzKrJBk0voM2GQg/viewform

Details: All UNC postdocs are invited to attend a CROSS-CAMPUS SOCIAL from 3:30 – 6:00 pm on Saturday, 16th September. There will be plenty of FREE food, and family members are welcome to join! Following on from the success of last year’s Triangle Social, this event presents a unique opportunity to connect with postdocs across the Triangle area, with representation from North Carolina State University, Duke University, East Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The event will take place at Ritter Park (Rotary Shelter), 301 W Lochmere Dr, Cary, NC 27518. To give us an idea of the numbers attending, and to facilitate ridesharing, we ask that you please register for the event in advance. We look forward to seeing everyone for BBQ, Pizza, and lots of fun!! Please note: Vegetarian options will be provided, and there will be a shelter to protect from sun exposure and bad weather.

Organizers: UNC Postdoc Association (PDA), North Carolina State University PDA, Duke University PDA. Sponsored by Bayer.

Popsicle Social 

Event: Popsicle Social
Date: Monday, September 18th
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM
Where: Lawn of Genetic Medicine Building (120 Mason Farm Road)
Registration: No registration required!

Description: Join UNC PDA for a Chilled Popsicle Social! Let’s make National Postdoc Appreciation Week sizzle on September 18th, 1-2 pm, right on the lawn of the Genetic Medicine Building (GMB) ? Cool down with popsicles, share summer stories, and soak up good vibes with fellow postdocs! Celebrate postdoc greatness – see you there! ❄️?

Organizers: UNC Postdoc Association (PDA)

Career Paths in Biotech & Pharma | In-person UNC Career Panel

Event: Career Panel & Networking Event
Date: Tuesday September 19th
Time: Career Panel 1:00-2:00PM; Networking Reception 2:00-2:30PM
Where: Bioinformatics Building 1131 & Lobby
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/25tdtejd

Details: Are you interested in exploring or transitioning to a career in either biotechnology or pharmaceuticals? If so, please join us for this special in-person UNC Career Panel, where you will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights from four seasoned scientists working in the Research Triangle Park (RTP), who have each transitioned from postdoctoral positions to industry. They will share their journeys and discuss the steps they took to advance in their careers. After brief introductions, we will host a moderated discussion, followed by an interactive Q&A session with the audience. Attendees are also invited to join a free networking reception in the bioinformatics lobby following the event.

Organizers: UNC Postdoc Association (PDA), Training Initiatives in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (TIBBS), & the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA).

PDA BIPOC Postdoc Alliance Unity Mixer

Event: PDA BIPOC Postdoc Alliance Unity Mixer
Date: Wednesday September 20th
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: Sonja Hayes Stone Center for Research in Black Culture and History (Atrium)
Registration: Click here

Details: In honor of National Postdoc Appreciation Week, please join UNC BIPOC_PA for a fun mixer and coffee break. Get ready to be inspired and forge meaningful connections with distinguished faculty members from UNC’s vibrant BIPOC community.
At this special event, you’ll have the opportunity to:
? Listen to the wisdom and experiences of trailblazing mentors.
? Learn from their stories and gain valuable insights.
? Connect with those who have walked the path you’re on.
Discover the power of unity and mentorship! This is your chance to meet the ones who’ve paved the way and share their invaluable expertise and words of encouragement. Light refreshments, laughter, and inspiration will be provided. We can’t wait to see you there! Join us and be part of something truly extraordinary. Together, we rise!

Career Panel in the Social Sciences (Virtual)

Event: Virtual Career Panel in the Social Sciences
Date: Wednesday September 20th
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Where: Virtual
Registration: http://rb.gy/5lny5

Details: UNC’s OPA has joined forces with SPHERE to create this exciting Career Panel in the Social Sciences. Spend time with these experienced panelists to learn what you can do with your career after obtaining a PhD in the Social Sciences. Our three panelists are: Dr. Alice Huguet, Co-director of the Center for Qualitative and Mixed Methods and Policy Researcher at the RAND Corporation; Dr. Jakob D. Jensen, Associate Vice President for Research and Professor of Communication, University of Utah; Dr. Molly Ritchie, Assistant Professor of Political Science at The Ohio State University.

Organizers: Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) & SPHERE (Community of Practice for Social and Physical Sciences, Humanities, Engineering Resources and Education)

Postdoc Planetarium Show | Discover Mars & Carolina Skies

Event: Planetarium Show | Discover Mars & Carolina Skies
Date: Wednesday September 20th
Time: 4:45-6:00 PM
Where: UNC Morehead Planetarium
Registration: https://forms.gle/PzjUBNtNwoDFsvCP6

Details: Discover Mars & Carolina Skies at Morehead! Postdocs & family members, get ready for an unforgettable night on September 20, 2023, from 5-6pm. This hour-long event will cover 2 great shows:
Mars: The Ultimate Voyage (40 min) – Embark on a groundbreaking journey to Mars, our farthest human expedition. Learn how astronauts tackle Mars’ challenges and witness the importance of creativity, collaboration, and communication in deep space exploration. This special production is a collaboration between Morehead Planetarium, NASA, and the Bell Museum.
Carolina Skies Guided Tour (20 min) – The “Carolina Skies” tour is never the same twice! Led by a Morehead educator, this live star show offers a glimpse of the North Carolina night sky on that very evening. Discover how to identify stars, planets, and constellations, and unravel the ancient myths and legends inspired by the night sky. Brace yourself for an exhilarating “fly-out” experience that travels beyond our Solar System, through the Milky Way Galaxy, and into the vast universe.
Secure Your Seats Today & Reach for the Stars! Arrive by 4:50 PM at Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill!

Organizers: UNC Postdoc Association (PDA)

Postdoc Headshot Session 

Event: Postdoc Headshot Session
Date: Thursday September 21st
Time: 10-11 AM
Where: Medical Biomolecular Research Building (MBRB) 2nd Floor Lobby
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/ywqv2mbv

Details: Elevate your professional image with this FREE headshot session for UNC postdocs! A professionally captured image can leave a memorable mark on colleagues, hiring managers, and potential employers. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your portfolio! Spaces are limited, so act fast to secure your spot; we have four sessions between 10-11AM on Thursday September 21st.

Organizers: Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) & UNC Office of Research Communications

Postdoc Board Game Night 

Event: Postdoc Board Game Night
Date: Thursday September 21st
Time: 7-9pm
Where: The Gathering Place
Registration: https://forms.gle/WfkF6UWSKYeS4Smd8

Details: The UNC Postdoc association holding another board game night! Come join as the Gathering Place in Chapel Hill for a night of free board games and more! The fun starts at 7PM on September 21st, but feel free to swing by whenever works for you! We hope see you there! Also, please fill out the following form so we can get a headcount: https://forms.gle/WfkF6UWSKYeS4Smd8

Organizers: UNC Postdoc Association (PDA)

2023 Postdoc Appreciation Luncheon 

Event: Postdoc Luncheon
Date: Friday September 22nd
Time: 12:30-1:30
Where: FedEx Global Education Center 301 Pittsboro Street
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/yqpmefj2

Details: Join us for the biggest event of the week – our annual UNC Postdoc Appreciation Luncheon & Photobooth! From 12:30-1:30 on Friday 22nd September, a FREE lunch will be served for all UNC postdocs at the FedEx Global Education Center! Please note, registration is required by Sept 20th and a valid UNC One Card will be required at sign-in.

Organizers: Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) & International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS)

Front Porch at the Carolina Inn | PDA Social

Event: PDA Social | Front Porch at the Carolina Inn
Date: Friday, September 22nd
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Where: Carolina Inn
Registration: None Required

Details: UNC’s Postdoc Association invites you to “Fridays on the Front Porch”, a local outdoor event, at the Carolina Inn (211 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill) from 5:30-8:00 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to meet new people and wrap up a fantastic National Postdoc Appreciation Week by enjoying live music, drinks, and delicious food* in the company of other postdocs! Keep an eye out for the postdoc signage to locate the postdocs, usually located near the front steps by W Cameron Ave!
*Please note that all food and beverage costs are at the responsibility of the attendee*

Organizers: UNC Postdoc Association (PDA)