This page highlights opportunities for continued education and training for postdocs at Harvard, as well as external resources below.
Mandatory online effort training for those on federal funding in the FAS or SEAS
If you’re intending on applying for, or may soon receive, a federal fellowship or grant in the FAS or SEAS, you are required to take an online mandatory effort training before you will be allowed to submit/receive your proposal.
- Please go to the Harvard Training Portal link here, sign in with your Harvard Key, and complete the training.
- Please save a copy of the certificate at the end of the training and submit it with your proposal
Responsible Conduct of Research
Responsible Conduct of Research Course – This course above meets the requirements set by the NIH and NSF for individuals funded by certain grants to receive training in the responsible conduct of research.
English Language Training
Harvard Bridge Program – The Bridge Program provides postdocs at Harvard with the skills and confidence to excel in their current positions, meet their career goals and prosper in their personal lives. Their courses include training in English language skills.
Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE)- Due to declining interest, the Harvard Extension School is no longer offering the Institute for English Language (IEL) Programs. They were offered most recently in the 2013-14 academic year. Alternative English language courses may be found at the CCAE which offers classes in English and is located in Harvard Square. Learn to communicate with confidence in English for success in your career, your studies, and all aspects of your life.
Academic and Professional Development Courses at Harvard
Center for Workplace Development – The Center for Workplace Development offers a wide range of professional, managerial, career development, and leadership courses for benefits-eligible postdocs. It is located on the 3rd floor of 124 Mt. Auburn St., across from the Harvard Square Post Office. Contact: training@harvard.edu, 617-495-4895
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) – TAP makes it possible for benefits-eligible postdocs to take courses at Harvard and job-related courses at other institutions. You may take individual classes or pursue a degree or certificate through eligible programs at the Harvard Extension School, the Graduate School of Education and other participating Harvard schools.
Non-Credit Public Health Writing Courses at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – These include "Writing and Publishing Health Research–A course in Scientific writing. Donald Halstead, Director of Writing Programs at the HSPH has confirmed that his courses were open to FAS postdocs.
Licensing Technologies
Office of Technology Development – The Office of Technology Development provides a one-stop shop to advance the development of groundbreaking discoveries by fostering strategic collaborations with industry through licensing, sponsored research and new venture agreements.
External Resources
- Making the Right Moves: A Practical Guide to Scientific Management for Postdocs and New Faculty – Free online resource including chapters on writing recommendation letters, effective mentoring, time management, project management, and more.
- Elsevier Publishing Campus. Offers advice on multiple fronts, including how to boost your publishing skills, how to promote yourself, how to network, and how to plan your academic career.
- Charting a Course for a Successful Research Career. A guide for Early Career Researchers by Alan M. Johnson, Emeritus Professor