Welcome to the UC Santa Cruz Postdocs Association webpage!

The USPA is a postdoctoral-led organization that aims to provide career training and resources to postdoctoral scholars here at UC Santa Cruz. Each year the USPA organizes a symposium, and a series of workshops to highlight postdoctoral research, provides postdocs with career planning support, and build a stronger postdoc community. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment for new postdocs and a supportive group of peers to navigate this pivotal career stage together.

The USPA is part of the larger network of Bay Area Postdocs.

USPA Symposium 2020

Posted on March 3, 2020March 5, 2020 by jmonlong

The annual symposium that was planned on March 5th, 2020 at the Hay Barn has been POSTPONED.

Symposium Page with more information.

USPA Potluck Dinner 2020

Posted on February 18, 2020February 18, 2020 by jmonlong

Shelbi is inviting us to a USPA-sponsored potluck dinner at house Friday, February 21st from 4 to 8 pm!

We will provide basic food and drink for everyone (including meat and vegetarian options, sodas, beer, etc.), but highly encourage others to bring something to share.

Address: 1140 Western Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Please register here if you plan to attend (so we can plan how much food to buy/make).

Come and enjoy good food, good conversation, and a sweet mini poodle!

Job Hunting in Industry

Posted on January 10, 2020January 10, 2020 by jmonlong

When: Jan 17th (Fri) 12 – 4 PM
Where: Namaste Lounge (see map)

The “Job Hunting in Industry” workshop will be presented by Bill Lindstaedt from UCSF’s Office of Career and Professional Development (one of the best STEM career training resources in the world). This workshop will give you a comprehensive understanding of the job search process in industry and help you launch a successful job search.

Postdocs, grad students and research scientists are all welcome!
Space is limited. Register now!

Lunch will be provided.

The workshop will consist of 3 segments:

1. Exploring Industry Jobs and Applying for Industry Jobs: 12-1:30 pm
How to prepare resumes and cover letters that will get you noticed; How to find information on companies and how to reach out to industry scientists who can connect you with job opportunities; How to execute three techniques that comprise a comprehensive job search.

Break 1:30-1:45

2. Succeeding in Interviews for Industry Research Positions: 1:45-3 pm
How to respond effectively to the most common questions when you interview for that first industry researcher position; How to respond to opening and closing interview scenarios, as well as tough and awkward interview questions; Tips for tailoring your job talk to an industry setting.

3. Compensation Negotiation for Industry Research Positions: 3-4 pm
How to negotiate salary and benefits when you get your first industry job offer; Which job offer components are negotiable and which ones are not; How to ask for more graciously, so that I get what I need while maintaining a positive relationship with my future employer.

We are very fortunate to have Bill Lindstaedt back out to present his strategies and advice on how to transition to a career in industry. Many postdocs and graduate students found his advice vital to their jobs searches back in 2018, and we are thrilled he is able to come back again in 2020. Hope to see you there!