Symposium

The Symposium committee is formed each year as needed to plan and manage the university’s annual postdoc research symposium. The symposium is a unique opportunity to share our research, support one another and network to form new and exciting collaborations.

Why join this committee

You should join this committee because you will meet other like-minded postdocs enthusiastic about creating community amongst early-career scientists. You will be able to contribute to the continuous improvement and growth of our annual Postdoc Symposium here at Penn. You will also have an opportunity to develop a number of skills such as:

  • Teamwork and leadership skills

  • Project/event management skills

  • Experience in organizing scientific meetings

  • Chairing sessions and introducing speakers

  • Forming collaborations and networking within Penn and the PPA Committees

What we do

We organize a yearly Symposium exclusively for postdocs to celebrate and share their research. We work hard to foster a safe and supportive environment where we can share work at any stage of the research process and bring together postdocs from diverse fields of research from around Penn. 

  • Advertise the Symposium and manage registration/abstract submissions

  • Organize location, food, keynote speakers and the event program

  • Obtain a panel of independent judges from around Penn (OPA, BPP, CETLI and Penn Libraries)

  • Work with relevant PPA committees and offices at Penn to provide workshops to help postdocs prepare for their poster or talk

  • Manage and support the running of the event on the day

Recruitment

The PPA took a break from hosting the Symposium in 2023 to focus on new programming. We are now looking for 5-6 new members to join this team and help shape the 2024 Annual Postdoc Symposium to take place in late this Fall.

You will have the opportunity to engage in all aspect of the Symposium organization. Contribute your expertise, passion, and dedication to organizing an extraordinary event that brings together the Postdoc Community at Penn and leave a lasting impact!

Benefits: Professional Development, Networking Opportunities, Skill Enhancement, Community Impact and Fun!!

Don’t miss this chance to contribute your unique perspective and expertise!

This page was adapted from and inspired by the work of the Yale Postdoc Association’s Chairs & Subcommittees pages. We encourage you to explore their website if you are a member of another postdoc association looking for inspiration!