Postdoctoral Scientists Certificate Program

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) offers certificate credit for postdoctoral scientists at UTMB. The certificates and the courses leading up to them carry credits that will be reported on transcripts available through the UTMB Office of the Registrar. The Provost is requiring all postdocs to be in the program by Fall 2011. Deadline for Summer 2012 applications is Wednesday, April 11.

Courses in the certificate program will provide training in core competencies, as well as specialized training that scientists require for professional success. Some courses offer credit for daily mentored research, attending departmental seminars and journal club meetings, and drafting a career development plan, none of which requires classroom attendance. Click here to download Instructions for Non-Didactic Courses.

As of Fall 2010, four certificates are available. The core certificate is Critical Research Skills. Secondary certificates are available in focused career areas: Management Skills, Teaching and Mentoring, and Translational Research. Each certificate requires 12 semester credit hours (SCH) and may be earned in a one-year (three-term) course of study. The certificates are structured for maximum flexibility, both for course sequencing and time management. Many courses are offered at times that do not conflict with laboratory schedules, so that participants may give full attention to their learning.

Each certificate consists of one to three core (required) courses, a series of recommended electives, and a spectrum of specialized elective courses. To promote maximum flexibility and individual career preparation, elective courses may be applied to any of the four certificates. In addition, a base course (Mentored Research) is available to all postdoctoral students, consisting of focused research and supervision in their area of concentration.

Examples of Key Courses:

  • Ethics of Scientific Research (required once only) – MEHU 6101
  • Mentoring and Career Development for Postdoctoral Scientists (required annually, all certificates) – CTPS 6103
  • General Laboratory Safety & Good Laboratory Practices (recommended elective, Critical Research Skills and Advanced Management Skills) – CTPS 6108
  • Practical Scientific Writing (recommended elective, all certificates) – CTPS 6104