We're breaking the process of making a career transition into three stages: Searching for jobs, applying for jobs, and interviewing and negotiating. The resources on this page are organized within these categories.
We advise taking a multi-pronged approach to searching for jobs. Identify a short list of organizations that you're interested in working at, and periodically check their Careers website to find open roles. In parallel, identify some broader job boards or search engines that feature the types of roles you're interested in, and use these tools to identify open roles at organizations that aren't already on your short list. Most job search engines allow you to make an alert that will send you email notices about open roles that fit your criteria - this can be a great way to make your job search more efficient! Examples of job search platforms:
Platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn list jobs in all sectors and position types.
Tip: Try Google's job search function, which pulls listings from many other jobs boards.
Some job boards focus on a particular category of jobs:
HigherEdJobs: Positions in higher education
ORISE: STEM careers, internships and fellowships in the government
USAJobs: Jobs in the federal government
BioSpace: Life science jobs
There are job boards specific to regions with robust biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical device industries: Medical Alley (Twin Cities, MN), Boston/Cambridge Biotech, Los Angeles Biotech, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Pennsylvania/NY/NJ Biotech, San Diego Biotech, San Francisco Biotech, Washington/Oregon Biotech
There are multiple types of postdocs (academic research, teaching, industry, policy, government), and many places where postdoc positions are posted. Check out this flyer that links to examples of places to search for postdocs. Many academic research postdoc positions are never formally posted, so use your network to learn about possible positions!
Once you've identified positions you're interested in, it's time to prepare the materials you'll need to apply for that role. Below are some resources to assist you in preparing application materials.
OPD Seminar: How to Write a Cover Letter (UMN login required to view)
OPD Seminar: Building Your CV (UMN login required to view)
OPD Seminar: Building Your Resume (UMN login required to view)
OPD Seminar: How to Write Great Bullet Points On Your Resume (UMN login required to view)
You're almost there! Here are some resources to assist you with interviewing and negotiating for jobs. The OPD can help you practice interviews and negotiations - reach out to us to set up an appointment.
OPD Seminar: Interviewing and Negotiating for Jobs (UMN login required to view)
Acing the Interview (Johns Hopkins Phutures Workshop)
The University of Minnesota Medical School's Office of Professional Development (OPD) for Graduate Students and Postdocs supports the professional development of trainees by providing resources in the areas of career exploration and readiness, teaching and mentoring, wellness, communication, and leadership and management. The OPD works in collaboration with the BGREAT programs' leadership, the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, the Graduate School, and other units with the University of Minnesota to support biomedical graduate and postdoctoral training.