Postdoctoral Association

The five fundamental goals of the MPDA

1. To provide support for postdoctoral career development through partnership with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) for academic and non-academic scientific career seminars and networking opportunities.
2. To collect and disseminate practical information to all fellows.
3. To embrace and celebrate the multicultural diversity of the members of the MPDA.
4. To promote social interaction and create an environment in which peer support is openly sought and available.
5. To offer guidance to postdocs to assist them in the transition from student to postdoctoral fellow then beyond.

MPDA Events 

The MPDA works with the OPA to provide valuable career development opportunities through several annual events:

General Meeting: Monthly meetings to share important information with Moffitt postdocs.

Junior Scientist Retreat (JSR): This day-long retreat for postdoctoral fellows and PhD students focuses on networking, exploring diverse career pathways, and discussing those skills and experiences needed to reach trainees’ desired career outcomes. The JSR involves educational panels and presentations by invited guests who represent a range of scientific career paths, and dedicated networking activities to foster peer mentorship between Moffitt postdocs and graduate students.

Distinguished Lecturer Symposium (DLS): This annual research symposium features an invited guest selected by the MPDA to deliver a keynote address, participate in networking activities with Moffitt trainees, and judge a postdoctoral abstract presentation competition. The purpose of the DLS is to provide Moffitt trainees with the opportunity to engage with and learn from prominent cancer researchers.

• Past Lecturers:
  • 2019 – Karen E. Knudsen, PhD
  • 2020 – Mina J. Bissell, PhD
  • 2021 – Scott Lowe, PhD
  • 2022 – Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, PhD
  • 2023 – Robert A. Weinberg

Coffee with a Scientist: Each month, the MPDA invites a Moffitt faculty member or senior scientist to have coffee with Moffitt students, postdocs, research scientists, and faculty members. The purpose is to encourage informal conversations about the realities of pursuing a career in science research.

Miles for Moffitt Tumor Busters Team: The MPDA participates in the annual Moffitt research fundraising run/walk, Miles for Moffitt, with their team the Tumor Busters.

Social and Networking Events: The MPDA organizes regular events to build community and provide important professional experiences such as group hikes, beach days, and scientific seminars.