Why I love my postdoc position at an independent research institute AcademicChatter
Alex Soto-Avellaneda knew that he wanted to join the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, when he attended one of its Postdoc Preview events.In 2021, I was awarded my doctorate in biomolecular sciences. After five years of working towards this goal, I was unsure where to go next.
I dreamed of pursuing science for the sake of discovery and making an impact on the world through my work, but I also wanted to start a family. That’s why I decided to look elsewhere for postdoctoral opportunities — namely, at an independent research institute that aligned with my research interests.IRIs are not part of larger universities and health-care systems. They vary in size and scope, with some focusing on a single disease or research area, and others exploring multiple fields.
As postdocs, we face a host of challenges that can make the road to our career goals rocky: long hours that complicate work–life balance, issues with pay and benefits, and career uncertainty due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like any researcher, the strength and focus of VAI’s science were also important factors in my decision. The institute is home to a community of outstanding scientists whose research on neurodegenerative disease complemented the work I hoped to do when I graduated.
At VAI, there is an entire department that works in my field, which gives me access to colleagues with similar professional interests and enhances my development as a scientist. VAI has about 500 employees in total, and its smaller size fosters a closeness among all the researchers that I find invaluable. If I ever need anyone’s help, I can walk to their desk or send them a message. This sense of community is crucial.Like universities, IRIs can widely vary.
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