The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) was established at Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) during the 2000-2001 academic year, and is presently in its 20th year of operation. The mission of the OPA is to enrich the BCH fellowship experience by providing training in scientific writing (grants and manuscripts), career development workshops, networking opportunities and monthly socials to provide a venue for interaction among research and clinical fellows across the hospital.
The OPA has developed a curriculum aimed at enhancing the career development of postdoctoral fellows during their time at Boston Children's Hospital. This program is designed to prepare fellows for leadership roles in academia, industry, and other scientific fields. All clinical and research postdoctoral fellows are welcome to participate in OPA programs.
Postdoctoral scholars often lack institutional support beyond their primary investigators (PIs), leaving them with few resources to navigate the unique challenges of this career stage. They also encounter limited opportunities to foster a sense of community within their departments, divisions, or even labs. To address these gaps, one of the key goals of OPA events is to create opportunities for fellows to engage with peers across various departments. These events not only provide training in areas not typically covered by divisional and departmental programs but also encourage interaction among fellows from different parts of the institution.
By fostering interdepartmental connections, the OPA aims to improve the overall training experience and strengthen fellows' sense of belonging within the Boston Children's Hospital community. Importantly, the OPA’s role complements, rather than replaces, the formal training programs established by divisions or departments.
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is always open to new suggestions that can improve fellows' adjustment and career development. Contact us at OPA@childrens.harvard.edu with any questions or for more information about our program.