Biophysical Society Bulletin | July-August 2024

Career Development

Enhancing Science Communication: Gaining Teaching and Mentoring Experience During Postdoc

educational sessions can be daunting and requires a different skill set altogether. As a result, postdoctoral researchers may encoun ter obstacles such as a lack of available opportunities, limited networking contacts for collaboration, and uncertainty about how to expand their teaching experience. Recently, some forward-thinking universities have implemented postdoctoral mentoring programs in response to these challeng es. These initiatives allow postdocs to lead teaching sessions under the guidance of experienced mentors, bolstering their confidence and providing valuable networking opportunities. The success of such programs underscores the importance of personalized mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the incorporation of diverse perspectives into teaching materials. Overall, these mentoring programs serve as catalysts for pro moting interdisciplinary collaboration, improving communication between researchers and educators, and advocating for struc tured support in the professional development of early-career researchers. Alternatively, postdocs can explore teaching op portunities at local community colleges with mentor approval, providing an interactive engagement with broader educational communities. Additionally, for those seeking a lighter teaching or mentoring experience, volunteering as a science fair judge via our own Bio physical Society offers another avenue for meaningful involve ment. For further information, interested individuals can reach out to SciFairs@biophysics.org. — Molly Cule

In academia, overcoming the division between researchers at varying career stages and those primarily focused on teaching versus research is essential for cultivating a collaborative and cohesive environment within institutions. This unity fosters the exchange of innovative ideas and facilitates interdisciplinary collabo rations, ultimately advancing knowledge and discoveries.

During doctoral training, students often find themselves navi gating a multifaceted landscape of responsibilities. They must balance their roles as teaching assistants with the demands of conducting research for their thesis defense. This balancing act becomes even more challenging when combined with PhD can didacy exams. While research naturally takes precedence during this period, the intrinsic value of teaching in shaping the next generation of scientists and engineers cannot be underestimated. Consequently, many postdoctoral fellows recognize the long term benefits of gaining teaching experience and actively seek out opportunities to engage in educational activities. However, the transition to acquiring teaching experience during the postdoctoral phase presents its own set of challenges. Unlike PhD students, who often have access to teaching opportunities through practical classes, postdocs—especially those based in research-focused institutes with minimal teaching involve ment—may find such opportunities scarce. Moreover, the shift from supporting teaching to assuming leadership roles in

Upcoming BPS Webinar

Postdoc to Faculty Q&A Session Are you looking for practical advice on how to make the transition from a postdoc to a faculty position? Join this virtual session on July 25 for an interactive Q&A session with biophysicists at various stages of their careers who have gone through this transition. This session will prepare you for conducting job searches, interviewing, negotiating, moving, starting labs, teaching, and getting the publications, grants, and reputation you will need for success in academia. This webinar is free for members and only $15 for non-members. To register, visit www.biophysics.org/webinars.

July/August 2024

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