Career and professional development
Sanford Burnham Prebys provides rigorous scientific training, networking opportunities, workshops and events in a rich environment in the heart of the Torrey Pines Research Mesa.
Workshops
As a graduate student or postdoc, you have the opportunity to attend career and professional development workshops and events developed to enhance your education and training, as well as prepare you to successfully transition to the next stage in your career. In partnership with the Sanford Burnham Prebys Science Network (SBP-SN), the Office of Education, Training & International Services designs an annual program plan to cover an array of scientific career and professional development topics, including but not limited to:
- Fellowship and manuscript writing
- Science communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and management skills
- Career exploration and preparation
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Responsible conduct of research
Leadership development program
Although many leadership courses provide participants with skills that apply in various career paths, personal style preferences can affect the way individuals approach problems and interact with team members, which impacts their leadership effectiveness. Sanford Burnham Prebys has developed an eleven-module year-long program that gives postdocs at all institutions as well as advanced graduate students at Sanford Burnham Prebys insight into how their innate preferences and associated behaviors can affect their leadership styles, impact their teams, and ultimately affect their career satisfaction and success.
Sanford Burnham Prebys Science Network (SBP-SN)
The Sanford Burnham Prebys Science Network (SBP-SN) is the association of postdoctoral scientists and graduate students at Sanford Burnham Prebys that fosters social and scientific networking among young researchers at the Institute and other institutes on the Torrey Pines Research Mesa and nationwide. SBP-SN is an integral components of the Sanford Burnham Prebys education and training experience.
Throughout the year SBP-SN hosts social and scientific events to facilitate networking among young scientists within the Institute and with scientists at other institutes and organizations. SBP-SNs efforts include the annual Postdoc Symposium, annual Sanford Burnham Prebys Career Day, Outstanding Scientist seminars, Institute Happy Hours and Vendor Shows, Off-Site Social Events and Trips. In addition, SBP-SN partners with the Office of Education, Training, & International Services to co-sponsor professional development workshops.
Fostering the next generation of scientists
The Fishman Fund Awards provides funding for exceptional postdoctoral researchers in a competitive application process. To nurture the careers of future research trailblazers, Sanford Burnham Prebys introduced the Fishman Fund Awards in honor of the Institute's founders, Dr. William and Lillian Fishman.
In 2001, the Fishman Fund was established by Institute supporters Mary Bradley and Reena Horowitz, to honor the Fishmans. In 2010, Jeanne Jones became the co-founder designee.
Postdoctoral students can apply for the Fishman Fund Fellowship, a two-year postdoctoral research fellowship, and the Fishman Fund Career Development Awards in support of their career and professional development.
Current postdoctoral training opportunities
Interested in joining the team? Take a look at our current postdoctoral training opportunities.