Postdoctoral Training Program (PDTP)

The Department of Medicine’s Postdoctoral Training Program (PDTP), led by Dr. Iain Scott, is dedicated to enhancing career development and building a strong, connected community for the Department’s 150+ postdoctoral fellows. Postdocs are a vital part of our research enterprise, providing the intellectual and technical expertise that drives many of our most important scientific advances. The PDTP ensures these researchers have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed in academia or in diverse careers beyond it.

Comprehensive Support for Career Success

The PDTP offers targeted seminars, individual career counseling, and regular networking events designed specifically for the postdoctoral community. Signature offerings include:

• Journal Clubs and Research-in-Progress Conferences to exchange ideas and gain feedback.
• Academic Survival Skills and Grant Writing Workshops to prepare fellows for academic careers and competitive funding.
• Milestone Meetings with program directors to develop Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and map career strategies.

The program also helps fellows identify and apply for departmental training grants and fellowship opportunities best suited to their research and career goals.

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Postdoctoral Training

Postdoctoral training is an essential bridge between graduate studies and a chosen career, but it comes with challenges—especially for international researchers, who make up about half of Pitt’s postdoc community. Navigating competitive funding opportunities, mastering technical and professional skills, and positioning for long-term success requires tailored guidance. The PDTP addresses these needs through a mix of personalized mentorship, professional development resources, and community-building activities.

Building Community and Expanding Opportunities

Throughout the year, the PDTP hosts career-focused events such as the Postdoc Career Session during the annual Department Research Day, where alumni share insights from careers in academia, industry, government, and beyond. Networking events, including celebrations during National Postdoc Appreciation Week, offer opportunities to connect with peers and mentors, exchange ideas, and learn from leaders such as visiting speakers from the NIH.

By investing in the success of our postdoctoral fellows, the PDTP not only advances individual careers but also strengthens the Department’s ability to achieve its mission of clinical excellence, exceptional education, and world-class research.

Director

Iain Scott, PhD // iain.scott@pitt.edu

Associate Directors