Office for Research Careers

Our mission is to support the professional needs of the research community at the Brigham. We strive to support research trainees and faculty across the academic continuum by providing resources to support and promote career and professional development, enhance the training experience, and foster effective mentoring.

We often collaborate with theĀ Brigham Research Institute, Postdoctoral Association, and Center for Diversity and Inclusion to offer myriad opportunities to the diverse research community.

From the Office for Research Careers

ORC Awards

BWH PLC Travel Support for BWH Postdocs

Due Thursday, October 19, 2023

BWH Postdoctoral Leadership Council (PLC) is happy to announce the availability of funds to support travel for BWH postdocs attending conferences. These awards will be administered biannually in the Fall and in the Spring. Awards will range from $500 – $1000, depending on the number of applications and the availability of funds. Funds may be applied to travel expenditures including transportation, accommodation, and registration fees.

Postdoc Scholars Award for Excellence in Mentoring

Nominations accepted annually in July.

This award recognizes postdoctoral fellows’ efforts in mentoring fellow postdocs, students or interns on research projects and/or career development. Winners are awarded a cash award of $1,000 and recognized at the annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week in September.

Faculty Career Development Awards

Due Friday, February 17, 2023

This award is provides transitional funding during the early critical years of an academic career when junior faculty must teach, do research, compete for grants, publish, and practice at the same time they may be assuming increased family or other responsibilities. The award provides $30,000 plus 20% overhead. Priority is given to primary caregivers, faculty who are URM, or women faculty.

Research Staff Excellence Awards

Due Friday, February 17, 2023

Two awards of $1,000 are available. Research Assistants/Technicians and Clinical Research Coordinators (or similar) at the Brigham are eligible to apply. Does not include postdoctoral fellows.

Microgrants

Rolling application.

The Brigham Research Institute (BRI) and Office for Research Careers (ORC) are pleased to support this Microgrant program to support junior investigators with small awards (typically $500 – $1500) for a new scientific project, training, or collaboration not otherwise funded in their labs.

Scientific & Grant Writing

ORC Abstract Writing Workshop

Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 2-4pm

Join the ORC to learn how to write your best abstract, then stay for a live in-person workshopping session with your draft! All BWH researchers welcome.

Grammarly

Free access to the English writing assistance software for all MGB users! Sign in with your MGB credentials.

Harvard Catalyst Writing Center

Harvard Catalyst’s Writing and Communication Center is a comprehensive collection of tools, trainings, and resources that empower clinical/translational research team members in any stage of their careers to better articulate their science.

ORC Grant Editing Service

Sign up for a 1-week editing slot.
Get individual feedback from the ORC’s part-time grant editor, Dr. Brenda Birmann. Brenda assists with English language, grammar, writing style, clarity and formatting in line with NIH guidelines. Brenda does not provide scientific review, so you should still seek scientific feedback from your mentor(s).

Professional Development

BWH Mentoring Toolkit

We are in the process of transitioning this toolkit over to the new website. In the meantime, you can still browse content on the original site, though note that some

People and Organizational Development Learning Courses

The People and Organization Development department leverages data-driven methods and practical tools to inspire growth, well-being, and performance at the individual, team, and organizational levels. They offer a variety of

Postdoc Scholars Award for Excellence in Mentoring

Nominations accepted annually in July.

This award recognizes postdoctoral fellows’ efforts in mentoring fellow postdocs, students or interns on research projects and/or career development. Winners are awarded a cash award of $1,000 and recognized at the annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week in September.

Mentoring Resources

There are many mentoring opportunities across BWH, MGB, and HMS. If you are interested in taking on additional responsibilities in mentoring, we encourage you to check out the resources and

word cloud representing the BWH Mentoring Circles Program for postdocs

Mentoring Circles Program (MCP)

MCP is a program created by postdocs, for postdocs, to help fellows get the most out of their training at BWH. Two mentors (senior postdocs) meet 5-7 mentees (junior postdocs) on a monthly basis to give advice and advance their career.

CURE Mentoring Program

The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences Program (CURE), administered by the DF/HCC Initiative to Eliminate Cancer Disparities, allows postdocs to mentor a high school or undergraduate student in their lab

Latest Brigham Research Institute News

BWH PLC Travel Support for BWH Postdocs

Due Thursday, October 19, 2023

BWH Postdoctoral Leadership Council (PLC) is happy to announce the availability of funds to support travel for BWH postdocs attending conferences. These awards will be administered biannually in the Fall and in the Spring. Awards will range from $500 – $1000, depending on the number of applications and the availability of funds. Funds may be applied to travel expenditures including transportation, accommodation, and registration fees.

Postdoc Leadership Council Elections: Nominations Open Now

Due Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 11PM It’s time for the Postdoc Leadership Council (PLC)’s annual elections! This is a great way for everyone in our community of BWH postdocs to get more involved and shape the future of the PLC, even if you are not already a member. You can learn more about the structure of the PLC and how these positions work together in our new bylaws which were ratified in November, or read on for some more details. How do I nominate myself for a position? To nominate yourself, please email BWHPDA@partners.org stating your name, department, and which

Overhead view of the 2018 cores and resources fair.

Open Call for Cores and Resources – Brigham Research Cores and Resources Fair

Due Monday, April 3, 2023, 12PM The Brigham Research Cores and Resources Fair will take place on Monday, April 24th from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in the Hale CafƩ Atrium. We are currently soliciting representatives from BWH, MGB, and Harvard cores and resources who would be interested in promoting their resources/services at this annual event. This is an opportunity to staff an informational table with brochures, business cards, or other materials helpful to the community. Representatives from each core or resource will have the full hour and half to meet with attendees. Attendees from the Brigham and other MGB affiliated

PLC Voting Opens: Registrar & Treasurer

Due Monday, January 23, 2023, 5PM We have one nominee each for the new Registrar and Treasurer positions! Thank you to Alexandra Eicher (Registrar) and Evgenii Kim (Treasurer) for your interest in serving on the PLC Executive Board. Read Alex’s Nomination Statement for Registrar here. Read Evgenii’s Nomination Statement for Treasurer here. Because the positions are not contested, the election will proceed as a confirmation vote. Each current BWH postdoc is entitled to submit one ballot, voting either “Yes” or “No” for the candidate nominated for each position (or abstaining). A simple majority of votes cast in favor will confirm

Postdoc Leadership Council Nominations Open: Registrar and Treasurer

Due Monday, December 19, 2022, 11PM During the last Quarterly Meeting on November 29, BWH PLC members voted to ratify an overhaul of our bylaws. The new bylaws introduce two new elected positions to the PLC Executive Board: the Registrar and the Treasurer. You can read the descriptions and responsibilities of these positions below or on page 4 of the bylaws here. Since the bylaws were ratified partway through the year, the PLC is holding a special election to fill these roles for the remainder of the one-year term, until the next General Election in August. Any BWH PDA Affiliate

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