National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) 2024

The National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) is an initiative sponsored by the National Postdoctoral Association to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to U.S. research and institutions. The week starting at the third Monday in September was officially recognized as NPAW by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. Postdoctoral offices and associations around the world hold special events throughout the week to raise awareness and express gratitude for the great work of their postdoctoral scholars. 

*** NPAW 2024 Has Concluded - See you for NPAW 2025! ***

Schedule of Events for National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2024

• Monday, September 16^th - Department, Center, or Unit-level appreciation celebrations
  
  
• Tuesday, September 17^th
  • Headshots and Espresso Shots
    *** This event is currently at capacity and is therefore closed ***
    
    
  • From the Desert to Mountains: Launching Your Academic Career
    

    Celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) at the inaugural event from the Intermountain West Postdoc Alliance, titled “From Mountains to Desert: Launching Your Academic Career.” 

    Learn of academic job types, application strategies, interview tips and negotiation tactics. Benefit from the expertise of current and former associate deans from New Mexico State University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Utah as they share best practices for faculty interviews. Gain advice from an emerging postdoc who recently secured a faculty role and navigate the landscape of academic employment for your future success. 

    The Intermountain West Postdoc Alliance is comprised of postdoc support offices at New Mexico State University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Utah.
    

• Wednesday, September 18^th
  • Career Development Workshop: Understanding the Hidden Curriculum
    Postdoc career success often involves understanding sets of “unwritten rules,” also known as the “Hidden Curriculum.” These rules can be particularly challenging for first generation postdocs, international postdocs, and others. This workshop will discuss several of these unwritten rules, and propose ways to succeed while navigating them.

• • Keynote Address: "Lab to Job" with Dr. Mark Parnell
    Join Dr. Mark Parnell, the Biology Director at Recursion Pharmaceuticals, as he shares his journey as a postdoc, how he found his career, and what advice he has for those looking to succeed in the contemporary biotech industry. 

• Thursday, September 19^th
  • Second Annual Career Panel for Social Science Postdocs
    

    An online panel of speakers from throughout the country will discuss career paths for postdocs in the social sciences. Speakers will share tips for getting the most out of your social science postdoc, reflect on how they navigated the job market, and explore their views of what skills social scientists need to be successful in the future.

  • UPDA Grant Budgeting Management Workshop
    The UPDA will be organizing a workshop tailored to promoting best practices for those budgeting while on grants. 
    

• Friday, September 20^th 
  • NPAW Postdoc Social
    Come join the UPDA and your fellow postdocs for some evening socializing. Postdocs are responsible for purchasing their own food and beverages. Some appetizers will be provided.