ISU has a vibrant community of over 300 postdoctoral scholars who make important contributions to the university's research, teaching, and outreach missions. A postdoctoral scholar appointment is a brief, intense, and pivotal time in one’s career. Apart from engaging in state-of-the-art research, postdoctoral training represents a crucial period for enhancing the professional skills set and getting ready for the next phase of your career.

The Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost provides the postdoctoral scholar community with professional development opportunities to support readiness for a sustainable and successful career path. Postdocs are valued members of the academic community, and we are committed to creating an environment in which their advancement is promoted and recognized.

Postdoc Coffee and Chat Hours

  • Meet and build community with other postdocs, as well as chat with staff. You can also bring any questions, comments, or concerns about being a postdoc, professional development, Ames, etc. Drop by any time during the hour for as little or long as you’d like.
    • September 18, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2510 Beardshear
    • October 16, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2510 Beardshear
    • November 20, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2510 Beardshear
    • December 18, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2510 Beardshear
    • January 15, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • February 19, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • March 19, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • April 16, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • May 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • June 18, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Faculty/Staff Open Hours

  • Chat with postdoc staff and postdoc mentors. You can also bring questions, comments, or concerns about being a mentor/supervisor or about postdoc affairs.
    • September 17, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2510 Beardshear
    • October 15, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2510 Beardshear
    • November 19, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2510 Beardshear
    • December 17, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2510 Beardshear
    • January 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • February 18, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • March 18, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • April 15, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • May 20, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    • June 17, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Orientation

  • Orientation for recently hired postdocs and postdocs who may wish to attend for a refresher. New postdocs will be emailed.
    • September 11, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., via Teams
    • November 7, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Morrill Hall 2030
    • February 4, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., tbd
    • April 23, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., tbd
    • June 29, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., tbd

Communication Hours

  • Communication Hours are for scientific and scholarship communication practice, as well as professional communication practice. Some hours will have specific presenters and others will be open for discussions or other practice. Want to present or have a topic idea? Complete the presentation and topic interest form.
    • Friday, October 10, noon to 1:30 p.m., 2510 Beardshear
    • Wednesday, October 15, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday, October 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Wednesday, November 12, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Friday, November 21, noon to 1:30 p.m.
    • Friday, December 5, noon to 1:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, December 10, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday, December 16, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Professional Development Seminars/Workshops

  • In addition to the plethora of opportunities available through other offices/units on campus, Postdoctoral Affairs will host professional development opportunities for the postdoc community.
    • Dates and topics coming soon

Prepare for the next phase of your career with your Individual Development Plan (IDP)