Postdoc Experience

By Charlotte Vanacker Postdoctoral Fellow, Molecular & Integrative Physiology

It has been more than 3 years since I first set foot in the US, here in Ann Arbor, to start working as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology (MIP). While joining the research team of Sue Moenter, I rapidly realized that I was integrating into a much bigger entity: the physiology community. Our department brings together experts, leaders and trainees of very diverse scientific backgrounds. The constant interaction among teams occurring through our monthly MIP seminars, celebratory luncheons, barbecues, and numerous events helps establish strong connections among members and offers a collegial and scientifically rich environment, in which to develop as a young scientist. MIP recognizes the importance of helping trainees access the tools to build a strong foundation that will allow us to move our careers forward. MIP is particularly supportive of postdocs in this regard at every step of the postdoctoral journey.

One of the most valuable opportunities I have had has been volunteering as an instructor for the PHYSIOLOGY 415 (Laboratory Techniques in Biomedical Research) class for Master’s degree and undergraduate students. This successful experience was set up four years ago by Yatrik Shah and Nupur Das and provides an opportunity for every postdoc to participate in designing and teaching lectures and lab courses. I am particularly happy to participate for the third time to this course that is updated annually to fit the area of expertise of the new instructors. MIP also provides unique opportunities to participate in outreach activities, for example in the Science Education and Engagement for Kids program that introduces science through hands-on activities in local elementary schools. Importantly, the postdocs and research investigators of the MIP are represented by our Physiology Postdoctoral Association, which supports career development by organizing monthly presentations by postdocs and by inviting faculty to talk about career options including typical academic path and other career paths, like biotechnology, government, pharmaceutical industry and entrepreneurship. Postdocs that are closer to searching for jobs can find unique opportunities by participating in recruitment seminars and chalk talks organized by the department during interviews. This is particularly useful to help us to prepare for this step of our career. Students and

Postdocs are also invited to meet with every invited speaker, encouraging communication, interaction and networking.

The environment for postdocs within MIP offers a combination of research excellence and career-building that supports trainee development regardless of career path. It is partly through MIP that I discovered ways in which my skills and interests extend beyond my ability to conduct scientific research. I am actively advocating for postdocs by being part of the University of Michigan Postdoctoral Association and it is one of my aims to promote collaboration among postdocs in MIP and beyond. I encourage postdocs to join us during our newly established monthly Physiology Postdoc Coffee hour, which will be soon accompanied by a “Postdoc Corner” that will allow us to practice talks, prepare for interviews and provide general peer support. Being a postdoc in MIP helped me understand what I want to become. Is the destination more important than the journey? A postdoc is a transitional and training position and it is crucial to make the best of this experience. It is my wish to see an increase in the involvement in our postdoc community. I want to take advantage of this note to thank the people of our department that makes this journey possible, especially Michele Boggs, Angie Tucker, Rachel Anderson, Heather MacFarland, Sarah Lawson, Lori Meggit, Yatrik Shah, and the whole MIP administrative office for brainstorming ideas and organizing the MIP life.