SBU Postdoc Update

Hello Elizabeth Ann,

We thought the Postdoc Update needed a refresh, so we're thrilled to launch our new look. Hope you like it!

We have some exciting news to share in this update, including the two new postdoc representatives on the Postdoc Council: Monoj Das (Medicine) and Jonathan Plessis-Belair (Neurobiology & Behavior). Below, you can read more about the work they'll be doing to represent you over the coming year.

We also have an upcoming two-day workshop on Research Survival Skills for Postdocs in August, an opportunity to attend the What Can You Be With a PhD? career symposium, and a full week of events coming for National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) in September.

As always, please email us at postdocs@stonybrook.edu if you have any questions.

Meet Your Postdoctoral Council Representatives

You voted, and the results are in! Meet our inaugural postdoc representatives on the Postdoctoral Council for the 2025-26 academic year.

This new advisory board will meet quarterly to review policies pertaining to postdoctoral scholars at Stony Brook University and to make recommendations to the Graduate School and Vice President for Research. It includes two postdoctoral representatives elected by their peers for a one-year term.

Additional membership of the Council includes one representative each from Human Resources, the Office of Grants Management, Visa and Immigration Services, and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, a staff representative, and three representatives among faculty who supervise postdocs.

Jonathan Plessis-Belair, Neurobiology & Behavior

"As a representative in the Postdoc Council, my goal is to bridge the gap between postdocs and administration to allow for better communication, clarity, and transparency in policy and decision making. As the backbone of research and teaching at Stony Brook University and spread across many departments, I believe postdocs should have a unified voice and be appropriately heard. Working closely with my peer Monoj Das, I aspire to be that voice and look forward to representing our postdocs for the next year."

Monoj Das, Medicine

"I am passionate about improving the postdoc experience through better communication, mentorship, and career development opportunities. As a representative on the Postdoc Council, I hope to represent postdoc voices and contribute to building a more supportive and collaborative research community."

Save the Date: National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW)

We look forward to NPAW all year long because it's an opportunity to spend an entire week celebrating our SBU postdocs!

National Postdoc Appreciation Week recognizes the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to U.S. research and discovery, and we have a week full of activities planned for you, including a pop-up mentoring session, a postdoc "alumni" career panel, a resume workshop, and a social at the Hilton Garden Inn.

View the slate of events and register now! The first 50 postdocs to register and attend an NPAW event will win a special prize.

Stony Brook Events & Opportunities

1. Research Survival Skills for Postdocs

Responsible research practices aren’t just necessary for compliance; they’re also foundational to a successful career in research. Research Survival Skills for Postdocs is a two-day workshop that engages Stony Brook postdocs in topical issues related to responsible research conduct.

Completing the workshop series will satisfy NIH and NSF requirements for responsible conduct of research (RCR) training, but postdocs across disciplines and funding sources are also encouraged to attend. The workshop will give you the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in your research endeavors and make the most of your time as a postdoc at Stony Brook University. In addition, certificates of completion and digital badges will be awarded to participants who attend both workshop days (excluding the optional workshop on human and animal subjects).

Topics and workshop sessions:

Day 1 - Thursday, August 14 | 10 am to 2:30 pm | Wang 201

Authorship, publication, and peer review
Safe and ethical research environments

Day 2 - Friday, August 15 | 10 am to 2:30 pm | Wang 201

Collaboration and conflicts of interest
Data management, security, and ownership

Optional Additional Session on Human & Animal Subjects | Wednesday, August 20 | 2 to 4 pm (Virtual)

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to attend.

2. What Can You Be With a PhD?

Stony Brook University is a proud co-sponsor of What Can You Be With a PhD? (WCUB PhD), the largest career symposium in the country.

The symposium features 20 career panels and 10 workshops scheduled over two days, Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26, and will be held at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in Midtown Manhattan.

Registration opens on August 4 and will be $20 per person. Stony Brook has 75 tickets for graduate students and postdocs, so express your interest here to get on the registration list and grab your spot!

The registration fee includes admission on both days, access to recorded sessions, and lunch. You get the chance to discover an array of exciting career paths and meet approximately 100 PhD STEM professional speakers representing diverse career sectors. WCUB PhD is supported by a consortium of NYC-metro research institutions as well as exhibitors and industry representatives, making this a valuable opportunity to network with connections that will shape your future.

Take a sneak peek at the agenda at whatcanyoubewithaphd.com (full schedule still in progress) and please email any questions to gradprofdev@stonybrook.edu.

3. Awards for Career Exploration

Awards for Career Exploration (ACE) - previously PhD Works - is now open to postdoc applicants! These funds support postdocs in their career exploration outside of the traditional academic path. Visit the website for more details and to apply.

4. LI Beach Shuttle

This shuttle provides beach access for those with travel or financial constraints and runs from the July 4 weekend to Labor Day weekend. For more information, email LISbeachshuttle@stonybrook.edu.

External Events & Opportunities

Apply for a Judge Travel Award for ABRCMS 2025

ABRCMS 2025 will take place from November 19-22 in San Antonio, TX, and all postdocs, faculty members, and research scientists (active and retired) interested in mentoring students are invited to apply for the ABRCMS Judge Travel Award.

A complete ABRCMS Judge Travel Award application essay should describe your goal(s) for attending ABRCMS, your current mentoring activities, and your previous experience judging presentations. The application deadline is Tuesday, August 12. Read more.