Office for Research Careers (ORC)

Mission:

Our mission is to support BWH researchers across the academic continuum, by providing resources to support career and professional development, by encouraging professional responsibility, enhancing the training experience and fostering effective mentoring.

Postdoctoral Advisory Committee (PAC):

The Office for Research Careers established the Postdoc Advisory Committee (PAC) soon after its inception.  The PAC meets monthly to provide oversight and direction to the ORC.  See the PAC members and read more about the work of the PAC.

Research Oversight Committee (ROC):

There are two postdoc representatives to the ROC who also serve on the PAC. See the ROC members and read more about the work of the ROC. Read more about the current postdoc reps on the ROC!

Goals:

• Postdoctoral Advisory Committee – develop policies & initiatives
• Community building across the BWH and HMS affiliates
• Standardized benefits package and pay scale – create transparency
• Advocacy and resource center for the postdoctoral community
• Orientation – to complement existing orientations
• Institutionally defined training period and guidelines for extension
• Reviews of training progress – performance evaluations, annual career conferences
• Improved skills and competencies – i.e. mentoring
• Diversity Initiatives: Outreach, Retention, Recruitment
• Mechanism for problem resolution
• Career Development workshops/seminars

Progress and Accomplishments 2006-2008:

Career Development & Support:

• Evolved from OPRC to ORC to reflect broadened mission in support of BWH researchers across the academic continuum.
• Presented comprehensive career development programs, seminars and workshops including onsite English as a Scientific Language courses.
• Enrolled BWH postdocs in Harvard’s Bok Center Teaching Conferences.
• Encouraged, communicated and facilitated career development award opportunities, including NPA Travel Awards.
• Became NPA sustaining member, securing free NPA affiliate membership for all BWH postdocs, including access to career development resources and discounts.
• Established ORC Business Card Program.
• Collaborated with HR Organizational Development & Learning to develop a case-based training seminar, "Introduction to HR Concepts: What PIs Need to Know".
• Developed lab management course for junior research faculty,"Moving to the Top: Establishing Your Research Program at BWH".

Outreach, Mentorship & Networking:

• Met with all new postdocs at BWH weekly orientations, and developed new postdoc welcome packet.
• Established Peer Mentor Program.
• Expanded network of BWH postdocs involved in ORC committees, events and activities.
• Distributed "Tools from ORC" email to PIs of newly hired postdocs, and developed webpages for PIs.
• Participated in department-sponsored networking and career development events for research/clinical fellows.
• Held welcome receptions for new postdocs, and annual postdoc summer BBQs.
• Established group for ORC Networking and Alumni on Linkedin.

Policy & Advocacy:

• Established Postdoc Advisory Committee (PAC) to direct and oversee ORC activities.
• Initiated PAC policy development specific to appointments, definitions, hiring, salary and benefits, expectation of PI and Postdoc, annual review, mentor and mentee responsibilities, terms limits and extensions, etc.
• Secured postdoctoral fellow representation on the BWH Research Oversight Committee.
• Instituted Postdoc Fellows’ benefits page on BWH Intranet, “Pike Notes”.
• Established joint HR and Research Committee to facilitate improvements and processes for the research community including; job postings, job code definitions, hiring workflow, and compliance functions.
• Established clarity in postdoctoral fellow eligibility for BWH tuition reimbursement benefit.
• Advocated for postdoc community, including continuation of free access to M2 shuttle for Harvard-affiliate postdoctoral fellows.

Communication & Promotion:

• Adopted use of BWH event calendar to publish, promote and facilitate event registration.
• Developed vibrant ORC presence on BRI Intranet and BWH internet.
• Developed the ORC Spotlight, a Weekly e-Newsletter to communicate ORC programs, events and information relevant to postdoctoral fellows, as part of the Research Connection email series.
• Created ORC identity and brochures in concert with CFDD, and member offices; OWC and OMC.
• Increased hospital-wide awareness, understanding and support for postdoctoral fellow population.

Collaboration & Community:

• Formed Postdoc Office Consortium (pDOC) with HMS, HSPH and Harvard-Affiliated Postdoc Offices (BIDMC,  BWH, Children’s, DFCI, Joslin Diabetes Center, MGH)
• Collaborated with pDOC on development and delivery of programs and seminars of professional interest.
• Attended 2007 National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) Meeting and presented poster,“The Synergistic Model: An Office for Postdoctoral Careers within a Center for Faculty Development & Diversity”.
• pDOC awarded co-sponsorship of 2008 National Postdoctoral Association Meeting held in Boston at the Conference Center at HMS.
• Held monthly open forum postdoc lunches
• Communicated HMS/HSDM Postdoc Association events including; bi-weekly Postdoc Pub Night, and monthly HMS PDO Movie Nights.

Future Direction 2009-2010:

• Gain approval for implement PAC developed policies.
• Develop entrance, annual and exit surveys.
• Foster and support a culture of mentoring.
• Expand departmental outreach activities.

Comments and feedback are welcome and can be sent to BWHOPRC@partners.org