Postdoctoral training within the Department of Biochemistry is arranged with individual supervisors. Additional training and opportunities are available through postdoctoral programs and affairs at the institution where the supervisor’s laboratory is located whether it be on campus within the Medical Sciences Building or in research institutes of hospitals such as SickKids, University Health Network, Toronto Western, Sunnybrook, and St. Michael’s.

The Postdoctoral Program in the Department of Biochemistry offers numerous social and professional opportunities, some of which are listed below. Sign-up to receive invitations to our monthly career discussions, socials, and regular professional development events by writing us. We always welcome questions and suggestions.

Incoming postdocs

Whether you are arriving from the area or from abroad, we want to help you make this transition smooth. We have put together a welcome package with useful information about the onboarding process, happenings, and opportunities within the department, the Faculty of Medicine, and UofT, as well as about living in Toronto. Please write to us to receive this document.

Once you are here

  • Join our postdoc association: Each month, we meet in nearby restaurants or cafes to discuss different research- and career-related topics and network and catch up. Please join us!
  • Attend Biochem departmental seminar and provide feedback to presenters: Biochem department holds weekly seminars on Weds at noon. They have been running virtually in the last two years. This is an excellent way to learn about the research happenings in the department – you will pick up interesting biology and maybe get new ideas for your project and find out who to contact for questions/collaborations! You should be receiving emails each Wed with a Zoom link and feedback forms for the presenters (if not, please write us and we will make sure you get on that list).
  • Present your research progress in Dept seminar: We want to hear about YOUR research! Practice presenting to a large audience, get feedback on your science, make new connections, and teach the next generation. Sign up to present and we’ll be in touch with you to schedule it.
  • Join the Peer Communication Team: This diverse team of students and postdocs provides feedback on how to give effective presentations – on committee meetings, departmental seminars, etc. If you are looking for ways to connect and teach, this is it! Sign up by writing us.
  • Host a speaker:

for Connell lectures – The department regularly hosts researchers from around the globe to share their cutting-edge research. This has been running virtually, but we hope that in-person visits will return, in which case it involves also one-to-one discussions. If you have a researcher you’ve been wanting to connect with, please suggest them for the Connell lecture with a short synopsis of their research.

for Schacter Symposium – Each year, the Schacter Symposium brings together alumni in various careers to give talks and answer your questions. Join the organizing committee to host a speaker.

 

  • Take advantage of professional development events: Each year, we organize several events/workshops including panel discussions around academic and non-academic careers, fellowship writing, and PI prep school. Please be on the lookout for email invitations from Biochem Postdocs to sign up. We always welcome your ideas for new events and workshops – share your ideas with us using this form.

 

  • Apply for funding opportunities: There are various funding opportunities available for postdocs through scientific societies and associations that your advisor can help you identify. In addition, there are opportunities through CIHR, Banting, and UofT.

 

  • University of Toronto Postdoctoral Office: In addition to the Department’s postdoctoral program, the Postdoctoral Office in the University’s School of Graduate Studies offers many helpful tips and information for both prospective and current postdoctoral fellows whether campus- or hospital-based: