VSPA Programs

New Affiliate Orientation

The VSPA hosts a New Affiliate Orientation for Postdocs, Visiting Scholars, and Visiting Student Researchers with approved appointments on the first Thursday of each month (with holiday exceptions) from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. In this meeting, you will learn about campus resources, health and retirement benefits, connect with your peers, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Postdocs will also join their union representatives at the end of the VSPA orientation portion for a confidential 30-minute meeting.

Postdoc Career Fairs/Symposiums

Each summer, VSPA and Berkeley Lab partner to host exclusive career fairs for postdocs and visiting researchers. Attendees can hear from keynote speakers and industry experts, participate in one-on-one resume clinic appointments, and enjoy networking breaks with postdocs and researchers from both campuses.

Scientific Leadership and Management Skills (SLMS) Certificate Course

Throughout the year, we offer various opportunities for VSPA affiliates to develop leadership and management skills and gain experience. Topics include scientific leadership, management, and inclusive leadership. Our primary offering is the Scientific Leadership & Management Skills course.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

VSPA provides and subsidizes ESL classes multiple times a year. Available courses include "Advanced ESL: Academic Writing and Presentation Skills" and "Intermediate ESL: Academic and Social English." These classes are open to postdocs, visiting scholars, and visiting student researchers, as well as their spouses, partners, and dependents aged 16 and older.

How to Publish in International Journals

VSPA offers a three-part class on preparing manuscripts for publication in international journals. This series is typically offered every year during the fall semester and is open to all VSPA affiliates.

Immigration Workshops

VSPA hosts an immigration attorney once each semester to offer general visa information and advice to international postdocs, visiting scholars, and visiting student researchers interested in transitioning to different employment visas for future job opportunities in the United States.

The Berkeley International Office has compiled a short list of immigration attorneys. This list is not comprehensive and is not an endorsement by BIO or VSPA. The choice of an attorney is the responsibility of the individual, and we encourage you to do your due diligence in seeking an attorney who is the right fit for your situation. More locations for some offices may be available; see their website for information.

Pathways to Scientific Teaching

VSPA offers a two-part seminar that introduces scientific teaching and explores how to incorporate the research model into learner-centered teaching approaches. This seminar is held every fall and is open to all VSPA affiliates.

PostX 

VSPA and the Chief Innovation & Entrepreneurship Officer have partnered to offer PostX, a program for UCB postdocs that provides a step-by-step approach to thinking more entrepreneurially about their research, and the opportunity to explore how to commercialize ideas. Postdocs can begin their entrepreneurial journey by signing up for PostX by sending an email to sign up.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

VSPA offers a variety of career-related DEIB workshops each semester, which are open to all VSPA affiliates. Topics covered include Inclusive Leadership in Academia, Unconscious Bias, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome.

Rotating Workshops and Webinars

VSPA continuously seeks new ways to enhance career and professional development training for our affiliates by offering a variety of topics throughout the year. Some of the topics include Grant Writing Workshops, Design Thinking, Reactivity to Proactivity, Persuading Others, Postdoctoral Mentoring, Postdocs and Mentor Relationships, and Be a Better Teacher Using English as a Second Language.

Professional Photography Sessions

VSPA is pleased to offer free portraits by professional photographer Brittany Hosea-Small. Whether for LinkedIn, your personal website, or professional social media, a high-quality headshot is key to projecting your professional image. Attendees receive two high-resolution, fully edited images.