The NC TraCS K and Career Development Award (CDA) Writing Group welcomes postdoctoral scholars preparing K99 applications, other K mechanisms (K01, K08, K23), or CDA submissions, including resubmissions. Open to all postdocs and disciplines across campus, the group provides structured guidance on each component of the application, individualized feedback from experienced faculty, and mock review sessions. The group meets weekly throughout the year. You can find more information on the NC TraCS website here.

Postdoctoral Scholars may join the group at any time to begin working on their proposals. To express interest, please submit the following materials to Susan Pusek at [email protected]:

• A brief introduction including your current position, school/department affiliation, award mechanism (e.g., K99), and funding agency
• A list of confirmed mentors and/or mentor expertise you are still seeking
• A paragraph describing your proposed research project and training plan

The Postdoc Association (PDA) is a friendly, welcoming group that connects postdoctoral scholars from across campus, regardless of discipline. The PDA provides a supportive peer-to-peer network where postdocs can share experiences, exchange ideas, and contribute to shaping programs and initiatives that benefit the postdoc community.

The PDA holds its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of every month from 4:00–5:00 PM, typically in Marsico. Postdocs are welcome to attend to observe or actively participate in the discussion. New members and input are always encouraged — your perspective helps the group grow and improve.

For more detail and location, please contact PDA Chair Ana Sachetto at [email protected].

The UNC Writing Center is a campus resource that helps scholars at all levels improve their writing, whether for academic, professional, or grant-related purposes. Writing specialists work with writers to strengthen clarity, organization, and overall communication, with a focus on developing skills that extend beyond individual projects.

Facilitated writing groups offer postdoctoral scholars a structured environment to discuss ideas, receive feedback on drafts at any stage, and develop the ability to respond to writing as a professional colleague. These groups also help scholars present their work to non-specialist audiences and refine mentoring skills for future trainees. Groups are facilitated by writing specialists from the UNC Writing Center and are offered throughout the year, often with dedicated postdoctoral participants.

Postdocs are welcome to join a writing group at any time. For more information or to register for a group, please reach out to Dr. Gigi Taylor ([email protected]) or Dr. Warren Christian ([email protected]).

UNC Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the University’s confidential mental health center, dedicated to supporting the well-being of all students and postdoctoral scholars. CAPS provides a range of services, including individual counseling, therapy groups, wellness resources, and crisis support, to help manage stress, anxiety, and other personal or professional challenges.

All postdocs at UNC have access to CAPS services. In addition to regular counseling and wellness resources, CAPS sometimes offers dedicated support groups specifically for postdocs, providing a safe space to discuss issues such as career uncertainty, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, and the pressures of academic productivity. For more information about postdoc-focused support groups or other resources, contact Dr. Chelsey Gates ([email protected]) or Dr. Liz McInerney ([email protected]).

Contact CAPS Anytime:

• Call CAPS 24/7: 919-966-3658
• Call or text: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Text START to the Crisis Text Line: 741-741