Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can the Post-Doctoral Professional Development Program
(PD)2P do for me?
The program is chartered to provide the necessary
resources and information to assist Sandia postdocs (PDs)
make the transition to careers in academia, industry, and
government laboratories. The resources we intend to provide
for post-docs include:
(i) a website with information important
to PDs,
(ii) affiliate memberships in the National Post-doctoral
Association (NPA),
(iii) a PD-organized technical seminar series (PReSS)
and symposium where PDs can present their research, and
(iv) a monthly professional development workshop
series that will highlight information and skills requisite
to become outstanding candidates for permanent research
positions.
2. What is the mission of the (PD)2P?
To advance Sandia National Laboratories research enterprise thru fostering a robust postdoctoral community and enhancing the qualityof the postdoctoral experience for all participants.
3. How do I find a PD opportunity at SNL?
Please visit:
a. Postdoctoral
Programs (NM);
b. Postdoctoral
Programs (CA) ; and
c. CINT Fellowship;
for updates on available opportunities.
4. What kind of research opportunities
exist at SNL?
Sandia National Laboratories is a federally
funded research and development organization and contractor
for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Sandia has research focus areas in advanced computing; information
systems and mathematics; bioscience and technology; combustion,
chemical, and plasma sciences; engineering sciences; geosciences;
intelligent systems and robotics; materials science and technology;
microelectronics and microsystems; nanosciences and technology;
pulsed power and directed energy; and remote sensing and satellite
systems.
For more information, please visit our NM
Corporate and CA
websites.
5. What is PReSS and how do I sign up to present at
the PReSS technical seminar series?
The Post-doc/Recent Staff Seminar (PReSS)
series aims to hold an informal hour-long seminar about once
a month where 2 post-docs or recently-hired (within the past
5 years) staff give a general talk about a research topic
they are working on or are interested in (25 minutes each),
followed by a period of questions/discussion. This is meant
to be an informal and collegial atmosphere for people to present
their research and ideas. Attendance is open to all who are
interested. Through attendance and participation, researchers
in various organizations and fields across Sandia gain exposure,
learn about other work being performed at Sandia, share ideas,
and network.
A virtual sign-up sheet and calendar can be found for both
NM and CA on under PReSS (internal link only).
7. What is the National Post-doctoral
Association (NPA)?
The National
Postdoctoral Association is a professional association
that provides a unique, national voice for postdoctoral scholars.
The NPA was founded in 2003, with an ambitious agenda to enhance
the quality of the postdoctoral experience. Since its founding,
the NPA has assumed a leadership role in addressing the many
issues confronting the postdoctoral community that are national
in scope, requiring action beyond the local level.
8. How do I get NPA membership?
The NPA is pleased to offer a free affiliate
membership to all individuals affiliated with selected
sustaining member institutions. This includes a subscription
to NPA’s quarterly newsletter (Postdocket) and to its
periodic e-mail Alerts (E-Alerts) and access to all members-only
content on the NPA website.
9. How can I self-evaluate
my PD experience at SNL to improve my resume?
We encourage you to download our self-evaluation
form as soon as you begin your postdoctoral experience at
SNL. Share your goals and this self-evaluation with your technical
advisor, mentor, and the (PD)2P to help assist
you in your transition into a permanent career.
10. How can I support the (PD)2P?
a. You can become a member of the (PD)2P
advisory committee
b. Participate and volunteer in (PD)2P sponsored
activities
c. Offer your suggestions to snlpostdocs@sandia.gov
11. What opportunities are there for teaching
experience while an SNL PD?
a. A number of non-traditional teaching opportunities
exist at SNL through volunteerism and mentoring. We are looking
for excellent volunteers to help teach in our Educational
Outreach Programs in NM
and CA
b. You could also teach and mentor students (high school to
graduate) working at the laboratory through our student internship
programs in (NM)and
(CA)
12. What opportunities are there for grant
writing experience while an SNL PD?
a. Opportunities vary and they depend on the
technical advisor and department.
b. Most PDs have the opportunity to write proposals to the
annual call for Laboratory
Directed Research and Development (LDRD) proposals.
(internal link)
13. I missed a workshop, where can I find
copies of the information presented?
Copies of workshop slides and handouts will
be archived and available under Workshop Calendar 1–2 weeks after the workshop has taken
place. Other links to access professional development advice
from the NPA and other professional societies can also be
found here.
14. I am a recent hire, what networking
opportunities are available through (PD)2P and at SNL?
We, have bi-monthly networking opportunities
through PReSS and the Workshop Calendar series. You can also network at SNL by attending
any the weekly technical seminars offered through out the
laboratory.
15. Where do PDs go after SNL?
Data coming soon!
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